Article

Quality of life and physical functioning in HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Nursing and Health Sciences (impact factor: 0.68). 01/2009; 10(4):266-72. DOI:10.1111/j.1442-2018.2008.00410.x
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, accounts for 28.7% of the HIV infection total and one-third of infections among youth and children in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to examine the variables of HIV/AIDS symptoms, social support, influence of comorbid medical problems, length of time adhering to antiretroviral therapy medications, quality of life, adherence to antiretroviral medications, and physical functioning in HIV-infected individuals. Based on our model, the combination of these variables was found to determine physical functioning outcomes and adherence to HIV medications. Significant relationships were observed between physical functioning and the dependent variables of length of time on medications, comorbid health problems, and social support. A linear regression model was built to determine the degree to which these variables predicted physical functioning. In total, these predictor variables explained 29% of the variance in physical functioning. These results indicate that those individuals who reported a greater length of time on medications, fewer comorbid health problems, and greater social support had better physical functioning.

0 0
 · 
0 Bookmarks
 · 
29 Views
  • Source
    Article: How treatment partners help: social analysis of an African adherence support intervention.
    Kelli N O'Laughlin, Monique A Wyatt, Sylvia Kaaya, David R Bangsberg, Norma C Ware
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Treatment partnering is an adherence intervention developed in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper describes the additional social functions that treatment partners serve and shows how these functions contribute to health and survival for patients with HIV/AIDS. Ninety-eight minimally structured interviews were conducted with twenty pairs of adult HIV/AIDS patients (N = 20) and treatment partners (N = 20) treated at a public HIV-care setting in Tanzania. Four social functions were identified using inductive, category construction and interpretive methods of analysis: (1) encouraging disclosure; (2) combating stigma; (3) restoring hope; and (4) reducing social difference. These functions work to restore social connections and reverse the isolating effects of HIV/AIDS, strengthening access to essential community safety nets. Besides encouraging ARV adherence, treatment partners contribute to the social health of patients. Social health as well as HIV treatment success is essential to survival for persons living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
    AIDS and Behavior 09/2011; 16(5):1308-15. · 3.49 Impact Factor
Data provided are for informational purposes only. Although carefully collected, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The impact factor represents a rough estimation of the journal's impact factor and does not reflect the actual current impact factor. Publisher conditions are provided by RoMEO. Differing provisions from the publisher's actual policy or licence agreement may be applicable.

Keywords

antiretroviral medications
 
antiretroviral therapy medications
 
comorbid health problems
 
comorbid medical problems
 
dependent variables
 
greater length
 
greater social support
 
HIV infection total
 
HIV medications
 
HIV-infected individuals
 
HIV/AIDS symptoms
 
KwaZulu-Natal province
 
linear regression model
 
medications
 
physical
 
predictor variables
 
Significant relationships
 
social support
 
South Africa
 
time adhering