Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-2024
Identifier
DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01712-4; PMCID: PMC11236909
Abstract
Loneliness, an emerging public health problem, is higher among people living with HIV and is associated with negative health outcomes. Black/African Americans have a high burden of HIV, and little is known about the characteristics of loneliness among Black adults living with HIV; therefore, this study sought to understand the sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of Black adults living with HIV who are lonely and the implications of loneliness for their health outcomes. A sample of 304 Black adults living with HIV (73.8% sexual minority men) in Los Angeles County, CA, USA, completed the survey items assessing sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, social determinants of health, health outcomes, and loneliness. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence was assessed electronically with the medication event monitoring system. Bivariate linear regressions analysis showed higher loneliness scores among those with higher levels of internalized HIV stigma, depression, unmet needs, and discrimination related to HIV serostatus, race, and sexual orientation. In addition, participants who were married or living with a partner, had stable housing, and reported receiving more social support had lower levels of loneliness. In multivariable regression models controlling for correlates of loneliness, loneliness was found to be a significant independent predictor of worse general physical health, worse general mental health, and greater depression. Loneliness was marginally associated with lower ART adherence. Findings suggest that Black adults living with HIV, who experience multiple intersectional stigmas, require targeted interventions and resources.
Journal Title
J Racial Ethn Health Disparities
Volume
11
Issue
4
First Page
2467
Last Page
2474
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Loneliness; Male; Black or African American; Female; HIV Infections; Adult; Middle Aged; Medication Adherence; Social Stigma; Socioeconomic Factors; Los Angeles; Sociodemographic Factors; Social Support; Social Determinants of Health
Keywords
Black/African American; HIV/AIDS; Loneliness; Sexual minority individuals; Social support
Recommended Citation
Malika N, Bogart LM, Mutchler MG, et al. Loneliness Among Black/African American Adults Living with HIV: Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Correlates and Implications for Adherence. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2024;11(4):2467-2474. doi:10.1007/s40615-023-01712-4
Comments
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Publisher's Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-023-01712-4