Intimate partner violence and mental disorders among seropositive discordant couples in Rwanda: The mediating role of self-stigma and dignity

INTRODUCTION: Intimate partner violence (IPV) poses a critical public health concern, particularly for seropositive discordant couples. Existing literature highlights the link between IPV and mental disorders, yet little is known about the mediating role of self-stigma and dignity in this association among sero-discordant couples in Rwanda. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted with 209 participants from discordant couples in Kigali City, explored the mediating impact of self-stigma and dignity on the relationship between IPV and mental disorders, specifically PTSD, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: Participants, with a median age of 36 years, exhibited strong positive correlations between IPV, self-stigma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Mediation analysis revealed that self-stigma positively mediated the connection between IPV and mental disorder scores, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. However, dignity did not exert a mediating influence on these relationships. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the importance of addressing self-stigma in interventions for individuals impacted by IPV among HIV seropositive discordant couples, underscoring the intricate interplay of psychological variables in this context.