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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
nursing
Perceived HIV stigma and life satisfaction among persons living with HIV infection in five African countries: A longitudinal study
International Journal of Nursing Studies, Volume 47, No. 4, Year 2010
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Description
Background: Descriptive literature exists on the effects of HIV-related stigma on the lives of people living with HIV infection but few empirical studies have measured perceived HIV stigma nor explored its potential relationship to quality of life (QoL) over time in people living with HIV infection. Aim: A cohort study of a purposive convenient sample of 1457 HIV-positive persons was followed for one year in a longitudinal design that examined the effects of stigma and the life satisfaction dimension of the HIV/AIDS Targeted Quality of Life Instrument (HAT-QOL) over time, as well as the influence of other demographic and assessed social variables. Data were collected three times about six months apart from December 2005 to March 2007. Results: The average age in this sample was 36.8 years (SD = 8.78, n = 1454) and 72.7% (n = 1056) were female. The initial sample of participants was balanced among the five countries: Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, and Tanzania. An attrition analysis demonstrated few demographic differences between those who remained in the study 12 months later compared with those at baseline. However, those who completed the study and who answered the QoL questions had significantly higher life satisfaction scores at baseline than those who left the study. There was a general increase in the report of life satisfaction QoL in all countries over the one-year period. However, as stigma scores increased over time there was a significant decrease in life satisfaction with differing rates of change by country. Certain factors had a positive influence on life satisfaction QoL: positive HIV media reports, taking antiretrovirals, reduced symptom intensity, and disclosure to a friend. Conclusion: This cohort study is the first to document empirically in a longitudinal sample, that perceived HIV stigma has a significantly negative and constant impact upon life satisfaction QoL for people with HIV infection. In the absence of any intervention to address and reduce stigmatization, individuals will continue to report poorer life satisfaction evidenced by reduced living enjoyment, loss of control in life, decreased social interactivity, and decreased perceived health status. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors & Co-Authors
Greeff, Minrie
South Africa, Potchefstroom
North-west University
Uys, Leana Ria
South Africa, Durban
University of Kwazulu-natal
Wantland, Dean J.
United States, San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco
Makoae, Lucy Nthabiseng
Lesotho, Roma
National University of Lesotho
Chirwa, Maureen Leah
Malawi, Zomba
University of Malawi
Dlamini, Priscilla S.
Swaziland, Mbabane
University of Eswatini
Kohi, Thecla W.
Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
Mullan, Joseph
United States, San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco
Naidoo, Joanne Rachel
South Africa, Durban
University of Kwazulu-natal
Cuca, Yvette P.
United States, San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco
Holzemer, William L.
United States, San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco
Statistics
Citations: 142
Authors: 11
Affiliations: 7
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.09.008
ISSN:
00207489
Research Areas
Disability
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Study Design
Randomised Control Trial
Cross Sectional Study
Cohort Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Eswatini
Lesotho
Malawi
South Africa
Tanzania
Participants Gender
Female