| dc.description.abstract | This study aimed to investigate the difference in anxiety and depression scores between HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM). Furthermore, it was examined whether HIV-related stigma was associated with higher depression scores, and if this association was moderated by the time since HIV diagnosis. To inspect this, a dataset from the research report “Mannen & Seksualiteit” by Soa Aids Nederland (2018) was used. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) found no difference between HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM on the anxiety and total (anxiety plus depression) scales. Initially, no difference was identified on the depression scale either. However, when adding the covariates age, education level and country of birth, the analysis showed a significant association between depression scores and HIV-status. Further analysis revealed that HIV-positive MSM had higher depression scores than HIV-negative MSM. Additionally, a moderation analysis demonstrated that experienced HIV-stigma was significantly associated with higher depression scores. A significant difference in depression scores according to time since diagnosis was also observed; MSM who were diagnosed earlier (1982-2009) had higher depression scores than MSM who were diagnosed later (2010-2018). The interaction (stigma × time since diagnosis) on depression scores was not significant, suggesting that the association between HIV-stigma and depression scores was not moderated by time since diagnosis. The results were in line with existing literature, with the exception of time since diagnosis. It was expected on the basis of previous literature that the earlier diagnosed group would have lower depression scores, while the present study came to an opposite conclusion. Future research should take into account that a mixed-method approach could provide more in-depth information than solely quantitative data. Furthermore, policymakers are advised to construct interventions that lower the amount of HIV-stigma and consequently reduce the prevalence of depression in HIV-positive MSM. | |
