Aiza Nur Izdihar Zainal-Abidin’s research while affiliated with MARA University of Technology and other places

Background As young People Living with HIV (PLHIV) will need to take antiretroviral therapy (ART) for life, there is a need to understand their coping mechanisms in living with the disease. Lack of coping mechanisms leads to poor medication adherence and hospital follow-up, poor health outcomes and shortened life expectancy. Objectives This study aimed to determine the pattern of coping mechanisms in young PLHIV and its association with medication adherence. Methods This study was a cross-sectional study amongst young PLHIV patients (aged 20–39 years old) attending two HIV clinics in Klang Valley. Data was collected between February to August 2022. The pattern of coping strategies was assessed using the 28-item Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) questionnaire in English and Malay language, which was validated and found to have good internal consistency. Self-reported medication adherence was measured using the one-item Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Specific Adherence Scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, single and multiple logistic regression. Results A total of 395 respondents were recruited for the study. The mean scores for each coping mechanism were: 1) problem-focused coping 2.98 (SD 0.62), 2) emotion-focused coping 2.40 (SD 0.48), 3) dysfunctional coping 1.84 (SD 0.44) and 4) religion/spirituality coping 3.07 (SD 0.97). The majority of the respondents (66.8%) were adherent to their ART. Respondents who had a longer duration of medication [OR:1.014 (95% CI: 1.002,1.026)] and those who adopted less religion/spirituality coping mechanisms [OR: 0.495 (95% CI:0.246, 0.997)] were found to be significantly associated with medication adherence. Conclusion This study revealed an overall medication adherence rate of 66.8%. Patients with longer ART duration and who adopted less religion or spirituality coping had better medication adherence. These study findings provide input into the design of intervention by clinicians and healthcare policy makers for young PLHIV in clinical practice.

Purpose Increase in life expectancy of PLHIV has brought new challenges especially for young Malay Muslim men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia. This country has strong religious and cultural roots that may pose as additional stigma and discrimination in the lives of PLHIV. Therefore, coping skills among PLHIV is important. Theories on coping strategies has shown that spiritual and religion are one aspect of emotional focused coping. The aim of this study is to explore the views on spiritual and religious (S/R) coping among Malay Muslim MSMs. Patients and Methods This was a qualitative study using in-depth interview. Eligible participants were recruited using purposive and snowballing sampling techniques via NGOs and online flyers. The narrative inquiry approach was used to understand the lived experiences of PLHIV and their coping strategies, particularly using S/R coping. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results Interviews with seven participants yielded four themes. Ambivalence towards religion was experienced by participants at some point following their diagnosis. Using S/R as a form of self-reflection was identified. Having positive religious support from family or NGOs helped some participants to embrace religious coping rather than to avoid it, and relationship with God was an important aspect of religious coping. Conclusion Spirituality and religiosity can be a form of positive coping for PLHIV. This study suggests the need for S/R guidance as well as positive support from healthcare professionals and religious-based organizations for PLHIV. This can have positive effects towards handling of the condition, adherence to treatment and health outcomes.