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Gendered Racial Microaggressions Associated with Depression Diagnosis among Black Women Living with HIV

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Abstract

Black women are disproportionately impacted by HIV and depression has been linked to negative HIV outcomes. Little attention has been given to social/structural factors that may drive depression among Black women living with HIV (BWLWH), including discrimination and gendered racial microaggressions (GRM). One hundred BWLWH completed measures on GRM, race- and HIV-related discrimination, and depressive symptoms, as well as a clinical interview for major depressive episode (MDE). GRM and race- and HIV-related discrimination were significantly associated with depressive symptoms and increased likelihood of MDE, but only GRM contributed uniquely in associations with both. Interventions targeting depression among BWLWH should address GRM and race- and HIV-related discrimination.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to extend extensive gratitude to the women who participated in this study, research staff and volunteers, and community stakeholders. The research reported in this publication and the principal investigator (Dr. Sannisha Dale) were funded by K23MH108439 and R56MH121194 from the National Institute of Mental Health. Steven Safren was funded by grant K24 DA040489.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL, 33146, USA

    Sannisha K. Dale & Steven A. Safren

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  1. Sannisha K. Dale
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Correspondence to Sannisha K. Dale.

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Dale, S.K., Safren, S.A. Gendered Racial Microaggressions Associated with Depression Diagnosis among Black Women Living with HIV. J Urban Health 97, 377–386 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-020-00432-y

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