OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship of symptom prevalence and intensity, perceptions of health, and stigma on quality of life (QOL) among HIV-infected African American men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional correlational descriptive study. SAMPLES: The sample consisted of HIV-infected African American men (N=55), all urban, age range 23-66 years (M=48.84, SD=7.67), average length of time since HIV diagnosis 10.79 years (SD=6.4). MEASUREMENTS: A questionnaire consisting of 5 instruments was used: (a) sociodemographic characteristics, (b) Holzemer Signs and Symptom Checklist for HIV, (c) perceptions of health, (d) Berger HIV Stigma Scale, and (e) Holmes HIV/AIDS-Targeted Quality of Life Scale. RESULTS: Prevalent symptoms were fatigue (98%), fear (92.7%), shortness of breath (92.7%), gastrointestinal upset (85.5%), numbness (80.0%), and headache (76.4%). Symptoms with the highest intensity were gastrointestinal upset, body changes, fear, and fatigue. Symptom intensity was significantly associated with the measures of stigma and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The results underscore the importance of incorporating a holistic view of the relationship of symptoms with QOL for HIV-infected African American men. Without efforts to ameliorate stigmatizing effects, however, nurses may be falling short in helping individual African American men with HIV infection achieve a better QOL.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship of symptom prevalence and intensity, perceptions of health, and stigma on quality of life (QOL) among HIV-infected African American men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional correlational descriptive study. SAMPLES: The sample consisted of HIV-infected African American men (N=55), all urban, age range 23-66 years (M=48.84, SD=7.67), average length of time since HIV diagnosis 10.79 years (SD=6.4). MEASUREMENTS: A questionnaire consisting of 5 instruments was used: (a) sociodemographic characteristics, (b) Holzemer Signs and Symptom Checklist for HIV, (c) perceptions of health, (d) Berger HIV Stigma Scale, and (e) Holmes HIV/AIDS-Targeted Quality of Life Scale. RESULTS: Prevalent symptoms were fatigue (98%), fear (92.7%), shortness of breath (92.7%), gastrointestinal upset (85.5%), numbness (80.0%), and headache (76.4%). Symptoms with the highest intensity were gastrointestinal upset, body changes, fear, and fatigue. Symptom intensity was significantly associated with the measures of stigma and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The results underscore the importance of incorporating a holistic view of the relationship of symptoms with QOL for HIV-infected African American men. Without efforts to ameliorate stigmatizing effects, however, nurses may be falling short in helping individual African American men with HIV infection achieve a better QOL.
Authors: Alexander C Tsai; Sheri D Weiser; Wayne T Steward; Nozmo F B Mukiibi; Annet Kawuma; Annet Kembabazi; Conrad Muzoora; Peter W Hunt; Jeffrey N Martin; David R Bangsberg Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2013-01
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Authors: Katherine Andrinopoulos; Gretchen Clum; Debra A Murphy; Gary Harper; Lori Perez; Jiahong Xu; Shayna Cunningham; Jonathan M Ellen Journal: AIDS Educ Prev Date: 2011-08
Authors: Joseph P De Santis; Aubrey Florom-Smith; Amber Vermeesch; Susana Barroso; Diego A DeLeon Journal: J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc Date: 2013 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 2.385