[Caregivers of persons infected with HIV]

This study describes the extent of caregivers' knowledge about Quebec men infected with HIV/AIDS, highlights some of the caregivers' own health behaviors, assesses their perceptions of their own quality of life, and verifies links between these three variables. The findings are part of a master's thesis, written in 1995 at the Université de Montréal. The respondents' overall perceptions of their quality of life was fair. However, they were not as satisfied with their work outside the home and their recreation. Respondents also felt that their quality of life was least affected in the area of their relationships as part of a couple. In general the variables-knowledge about AIDS and health behaviors-best explain the perceptions of the quality of life of these caregivers. The study concludes that health care providers of this population should learn more about: AIDS among natural caregivers; their own health behaviors; and their perceptions of their own quality of life. By doing so, they can take an active role in their own well-being while performing their duties.