Coping and social support as determinants of quality of life in HIV/AIDS

Coping, social support and quality of life (QOL) were examined in 120 HIV+ people (mean age = 37). The sample came from ambulatory clinics and drop-in centres in Toronto: 29% had AIDS, 35% were HIV symptomatic, and 35% were asymptomatic. Information was gathered from self-administered questionnaires. Respondents had good levels of social support and used a variety of coping strategies. Their scores on the behavioural and subjective measures of QOL were somewhat below average. The illness-related measure indicated that their diagnosis had an almost neutral effect on QOL and showed several areas where QOL had been positively affected. Data from male subjects only (n = 107) were analysed using a hierarchical block regression for each QOL measure. Income, emotional social support, and problem-oriented and perception-oriented coping were positively related to QOL. Tangible social support and emotion-oriented coping were negatively related and symptom severity was not related at all. Close friends provided most types of support. Although respondents indicated high levels of satisfaction with support generally, they expressed a need for more emotional support. Unemployment was high despite participants being relatively healthy and well-educated.