Psychological status, coping, and social support of people living with HIV/AIDS in central China.

The objective was to investigate psychological status coping social support and psychosocial factors associated with people living with HIV/AIDS in a highly HIV-infected area of central China. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive correlation study. Sample: Of 200 individuals with HIV/AIDS registered at the Warm Homestead health care center (central China) all who met the eligibility criteria (n = 103) were recruited; 94 of these completed questionnaires. Measurements: Four anonymous self-administered questionnaires were used: (a) demographic data questionnaire (b) Symptom Checklist--90 (SCL--90) (c) Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire and (d) Perceived Social Support Scale questionnaire. Participants had low education levels and family incomes. The majority (n = 87 92.6%) had become infected due to improper procedures during plasma donations. Participants reported moderately high levels of perceived social support but their high SCL--90 scores indicated high levels of psychological distress. The most frequently used coping style was confrontation. Both acceptance--resignation and avoidance coping styles were significantly correlated with high distress (high SCL--90 total and subscale scores). Public health personnel and AIDS professionals may consider further interventions to promote psychological health in HIV/AIDS-positive individuals in highly HIV-infected areas of China as the available social support did not seem to be effective in decreasing psychological pathology or mobilizing their coping strategies. (authors)