Factors affecting quality of life in people with HIV/AIDS : a review

Date
2001-12
Authors
Coetzee, Mignon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper provides an overview and critical evaluation of current (1990-2001) research into Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), with particular reference to factors affecting quality of life (QOL) among those living with the disease. A brief look at the importance of optimal QOL when faced with a life crisis such as HIV/AIDS, leads to a discussion of factors influencing QOL in HIV/AIDS. These factors include coping styles, mental adjustment, social support, stigmatization, socio-economic and socia-cultural factors, gender, depression as well as disease progression. The overview is informed by prominent research trends and a critical look at the current understanding of factors impacting on the QOL of people living with HIV/AIDS. Recommendations are made on issues that need further clarification, while future research orientations are also suggested. In the absence of satisfactory treatment strategies or a cure for HIV/AIDS, as well as the evidence of a potentiall0 to 12 year life expectancy, there is a pressing need for a better understanding of factors that influence QOL. There is strong support for the notion that QOL directly impacts on disease progression and therefore also on the quality and quantity of survival time. It follows that a better understanding of the nature and determinants of QOL for HIV patients will yield valuable intervention guidelines within a biopsychosocial framework.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie artikel bied 'n oorsig en kritiese evaluering van onlangse (1990-2001) navorsing in die veld van Menslike Immuniteitsgebrek Virus (MIV) en Verworwe Immuniteitsgebrek Sindroom (VIGS), met besondere verwysing na faktore wat bydra tot die lewenskwaliteit van geïnfekteerde indiwidue. Die belangrikheid van optimale lewenskwaliteit teen die agtergrond van 'n lewenskrisis soos 'n MIV-diagnose, word kortliks bepsreek. Daarop volg In bespreking van faktore wat In invloed het op lewenskwaliteit in HIV/AIDS. Hierdie faktore sluit in hanteringstyl, psigiese aanpasbaarheid, sosiale ondersteuning, stigmatisering, sosio-ekonomies en sosio-kulturele faktore, geslag, depressie asook siekteverloop. Die oorsig word gerugsteun deur prominente navorsingstendense asook 'n kritiese blik op huidige perspektiewe op faktore wat 'n impak het op die lewenskwaliteit van mense wat leef met MIVjVIGS. Aanbevelings word gemaak aangaande aspekte waaroor verdere helderheid verkry moet word, asook oor toekomstige navorsingsvraagstukke. Gegewe die afwesigheid van voldoende behandelingstrategieë of selfs 'n geneesmiddel vir MIV, tesame met die bewys van 'n 10 tot 12 jaar potensiële lewensverwagting, bestaan daar 'n dringende noodsaaklikheid vir grondiger insig in faktore wat lewenskwaliteit beïnvloed. Daar is sterk steun vir die uitgangspunt dat lewenskwaliteit 'n direkte impak het op siekteverloop en derhalwe ook op die duur en kwaliteit van oorlewingstyd. Verbeterde kennis oor die aard en determinante van lewenskwaliteit in MIV-pasiënte sal dus waardevolle inligting kan verskaf in terme van toepaslike riglyne vir intervensies binne 'n biopsigososiale raamwerk.
Description
Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001.
Keywords
Quality of life, HIV-positive persons -- Psychology, AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Social conditions, AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects, Dissertations -- Psychology, Theses -- Psychology
Citation