Testing a predictive model of the use of HIV/AIDS symptom self-care strategies

Several types of self-care strategies have been reported by patients with HIV/AIDS to manage their HIV/AIDS related symptoms. However, little research has examined the factors influencing the use of different HIV symptom self-care strategies. This paper presents the results of testing a predictive model of the use of eight types of symptom self-care strategies: medications, complementary treatments, self-comforting, daily thoughts/activities, changing diet, help-seeking, exercise, and spiritual care. Logistic regression tests were used to examine the likelihood of using the eight types of symptom self-care strategies that were summarized and categorized from the questionnaires reported by patients with HIV/AIDS (n = 359). Sociodemographic variables (age, gender, race, education, injection drug use, insurance status, income status) and disease-related variables (taking antiretroviral medications, symptom intensity, symptom bothersomeness, impact of symptom on daily life) were selected as predictive variables. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that race (white vs. non-white) was a significant predictor for the use of medications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.33-0.92), self-comforting (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.24-3.79), help seeking (OR = 5.71, 95% CI = 2.57-12.70), and spiritual care (OR = 5.09, 95% CI = 1.81-14.30). In addition, symptom intensity significantly predicted the use of medications (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.05-1.40) and gender significantly predicted the use of spiritual care (OR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.71-8.25). Racial difference is the predominant predictor for the use of symptom self-care strategies. The cultural differences in the use of symptom self-care strategies should be considered in symptom management.