Exploring the impact of stigma on health-related quality of life among individuals with sickle cell disease: a moderated mediation analysis of distress and social support

Despite extensive research on the impact of stigma on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with sickle cell disease, gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms through which this association occurs. We investigated how stigma impacts HRQoL among people with sickle cell disease (SCD) through distress and the moderating role of social support in this association. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, we sampled 165 people with SCD in Nigeria, who completed relevant measures. Results showed that distress mediated the stigma-HRQoL link, and social support moderated this mediation. Intervention may do well to incorporate psychological therapies and strengthen social support networks to improve the HRQoL of people living with sickle cell disease.