The moderating role of social support in the association between depressive symptoms and functional disability among older adults with HIV

The co-occurrence of depression and functional disability is prevalent among older people with HIV (PWH). Research suggests social support could enhance resilience and buffer the impact of depression on health outcomes in PWH. This study examined whether social support moderates the relationship between depressive symptoms and functional disability in older PWH. From September 2020 to August 2022, we recruited 213 participants from Universiti Malaya Medical Center, Malaysia. We received participants' socio-demographic and clinical information, including measures evaluating depressive symptoms, social support, and functional disability. Our structural equation models suggest that social support moderated the association between depressive symptoms and functional disability [B(SE) = 1.93 (0.18), p = <0.001]. Moderating effects varied by domain; significantly in communication and understanding [B(SE) = -0.03 (0.01), p = 0.026], getting around [B(SE) = -0.03 (0.01), p = 0.025), life activities [B(SE) = -0.03 (0.01), p = 0.007) and participation in society [B(SE) = -0.04 (0.01), p = 0.002). At low social support, the depressive symptoms-functional disability associations strengthened across all domains. At higher social support levels, this association weakened in communication and understanding, getting along with people, and participation in society. Strengthening social support may improve mental health and functioning in older PWH.