Work

Impact of stressful death or divorce in people with HIV: A prospective examination and the buffering effects of religious coping and social support

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the impact of a stressful death/divorce on psychological and immune outcomes in people with HIV. People with HIV with stressful death/divorce were examined from before the event to up to 12 months later ( n = 45); controls were assessed at similar intervals ( n = 112). Stressful deaths/divorces were associated with increased viral load and anxiety over time ( ps ≤ .014), but not CD4+ or depression. Increased use of religious coping after the stressful death/divorce was associated with slower increases in viral load ( p = .010). These data suggest people with HIV should consider the potentially elevated risk of transmission after such events and seek appropriate monitoring and care.

Source: Journal of Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1177/1359105317726151

Authors: Gail Ironson, Sarah M Henry, Brian D Gonzalez

Institutions: University of Miami, Moffitt Cancer Center

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: National Institute of Mental Health, National Cancer Institute