Fig. 5

Illustration of mediation paths: mOFC thickness as a mediator between HIV exposure and child language. Estimates of the total (path c), direct (path c’), and indirect (path ab; mediated through the influence on structural brain development) effects of HIV exposure on child language. The proportion of the total effect of HIV exposure on child language mediated via mOFC thickness ≈ 35%, Sobel test p = 0.032. Results are displayed as standardised β regression coefficients adjusted for child age and sex, maternal age, education, and household income. Complete case analysis used N = 138 (N = 81 HEU, N = 57 HU). Abbreviations: mOFC, medial orbitofrontal cortex; HEU, HIV-exposed and uninfected; HU, HU-unexposed