<![CDATA[Background: Internalized HIV stigma occurs when people living with HIV (PLWH) internalize negative social beliefs about HIV and apply them to themselves. It may be associated with psychological distress and reduced engagement in HIV care. Psychosocial interventions have been developed to address this problem, but findings across studies are not consistent. Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions compared with control or usual care for reducing internalized HIV stigma among PLWH. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA framework. Literature was searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SAGE Journals using combinations of HIV, psychosocial intervention, and internalized stigma terms. Randomized controlled trials evaluating psychosocial interventions and reporting internalized HIV stigma were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for randomized controlled trials. Results: Five RCTs were included. The interventions comprised peer mentoring, a video-based stigma-reduction intervention, iENGAGE, group-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and peer advocacy training. Four studies reported greater reductions in internalized HIV stigma in the intervention group than in the comparison group, whereas one study did not find a statistically significant between-group effect. Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions show potential for reducing internalized HIV stigma among PLWH, although effects are not uniform across settings and populations. Interventions incorporating peer support, shared experience, psychosocial skills, self-compassion, and empowerment may be useful components for nursing and HIV care.]]>
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