The Effect of Social Stigma on Suicidal Ideation of Male HIV Infected People: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Hope and Depression

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the mediating effect of hope and depression applied on the influence of social stigma on suicidal ideation of 108 HIV infected males. Methods: This study was a descriptive, crosssectional design that used a survey approach. Data collection was one-on-one interviews by a counseling nurse from July 2012 to January 2013. The survey included questions about social stigma, hope, depression, and suicidal ideation. Results: Fitness of the hypothetical model was appropriate (x 2 /df=1.97, TLI=.97, CFI=.98, RMSEA=.07, SRMR=.04). Social stigma had no direct effect on suicidal ideation but had a significant indirect effect on suicidal ideation via hope and depression. Hope had a mediating effect the relationship between stigma and depression but no direct effect on the relationship between stigma and suicidal ideation. Hope had an indirect effect on suicidal ideation via depression. Stigma and hope accounted for 41% of depression was where as suicidal ideation was explained 56.3% by depression, hope, and stigma. Conclusion: In order to reduce depression and suicidal ideation of HIV infected people, stigma improving strategies are required. And hope intervention for HIV infected people may decrease their suicidal ideation and depression.