The Moderating Role of HIV Stigma on the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Self-Efficacy among Adult PLHIV in South Africa

Abstract

Background: People living with human immune deficiency virus (PLHIV) grapple with distinct challenges, including HIV stigma which affects their antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence self-efficacy. This study investigates the interaction of HIV stigma and perceived social support on ART adherence self-efficacy among adult PLHIV in South Africa. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design that involved 201 participants selected using time location sampling at a tertiary health facility in Durban. Results: HIV stigma was significantly and negatively associated with self-efficacy (β = −7.860, t = −4.654, p =.001), with variations across different stigma levels (β = −5.844, t = −4.003, p =.001). Social support was significantly and positively associated with self-efficacy at lower HIV stigma levels (β = 7.440, t = 3.887, p =.001), in contrast to higher levels (β = −2.825, t = 1.400, p =.163). Conclusion: Social support significantly influences ART adherence self-efficacy, particularly at lower levels of HIV stigma, but the effect of support weakens as stigma intensifies.