Work

Utility of a Partner Communication Scale and a Personal Meaning Scale in Newly Diagnosed HIV-Infected Persons

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: No studies to our knowledge have examined the Lepore Social Constraint Scale or Fife Constructed Meaning Scale in recently diagnosed HIV-infected persons. Twenty-four participants in a prospective observational cohort completed the social-constraint measure, and 47 completed the constructed-meaning scale at either 3 or 9 months after diagnosis. Participants completed a 4-week visual analogue scale to assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and validated depression and self-efficacy scales. Spearman correlation coefficients compared measures. In cross-sectional analyses, participants with higher social-constraint scores had lower constructed meaning and adherence. Higher social constraint correlated negatively with self-efficacy and positively with depression. Higher constructed-meaning scores did not correlate with adherence but correlated positively with self-efficacy and negatively with depression. The quality of HIV-infected individuals' discussions of HIV with their partners and positive constructed meaning were associated with better mental health and could be targets for improving medication adherence.

Source: Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care

DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2012.05.003

Authors: April Buscher, David M. Latini, Christine Hartman, Michael Kallen, Shubhada Sansgiry, Thomas P. Giordano

Institutions: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases