Stigma, Social Support and Quality of Life

"Perceived Stigma and Social Support: Relationship and Influence on Mental Health and Quality of Life in HIV+ Patients"

The primary goal of this observational study is to investigate the relationship between perceived stigma and social support in HIV+ patients. The secondary objective is to measure mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress) and quality of life to assess whether they are affected by the relationship between perceived stigma and social support.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Measuring perceived stigma and social support to understand the health status and behaviour of people living with HIV.
• Monitor the mental state of people living with HIV in order to be able to implement, there where necessary, a psychological support strategy in order to promote proper adherence to treatment and care services.

Participants will fill out an online cross-sectional survey. The online questionnairesurvey will collect:

• sociodemographic and clinical data related to HIV infection,
• perceived stigma,
• social support,
• mental health,
• quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV diagnosis.
• Being treated at the Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic of Policlinico Gemelli in Rome.
• Ongoing antiretroviral therapy.
• Age > 18 years.
• Native Italian speaker.
• Informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Absence of an HIV diagnosis.
• Not being treated at the Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic of Policlinico Gemelli in Rome.
• Absence of ongoing antiretroviral therapy.
• Age > 18 years.
• Not being a native Italian speaker.
• Refusal to sign informed consent