Journal of Psychiatry

Abstract

A Cross-Sectional Study of Adaptation, Coping and Quality of Life in the HIV Seropositive Cases

Kalpana Srivastava, RC Das, Reva Kohli, Prateek Yadav, Jyoti Prakash and Amitabh Saha

Background: The role of quality of life and coping strategy with the HIV/AIDS disease cannot be overemphasized. In view of the above present study was planned to assess the Quality of life and coping in sero-positive cases. Material and Method: 182 patients with HIV sero-positive status on HAART for at least 3mths formed a study group. Individuals with a past history of mental illness / head injury / dementia and co-morbid psychiatric disorder were excluded. The cases with co-existing opportunistic infections and malignancy were also excluded. CD4 count was done using the Flow Cytometry, Scales pertaining to Coping, Quality of Life and Personality factors were applied. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS 17. ANOVA and Kruskal wallis test was done. Results: The CD4 count was 200-500 /micro L in 69%, 16.5% had below 200/micro L and the rest 14.3% had the count above 500/micro L. The treatment profile of patients found 85.2% of patients on ART. Coping Resources fall within normal range. Domains of Quality of Life Scale namely Physical health, feelings and emotions, Pain and Sleep had higher mean score revealing better quality of life, Quality of life compromised was in the domain of appetite and food intake daily activities, cognitive functions and social support. Conclusion: Findings revealed significant association between CD4count and quality of life. There was a positive relationship with quality of life scale domains of Physical health and CD 4 count. Enhancement of quality of life in HIV sero-positive cases can be done by promoting adherence to ART and adapting healthy coping strategies.