Causal model of quality of life in persons living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

To examine the causal relationship between age, stage of disease, antiretroviral treatment, social support, symptom experience, self-care strategies and quality of life base on symptom management model (Dodd et al. 2001). The subjects were 422 persons living with HIV/AIDS in Chiangrai province. A set of questionnaires were used, composed of personal data form, the Personal Resource Questionnaires 85 (PRQ 85), Symptom Experience Questionnaire, Self-Care Strategies Questionnaire, and Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using SPSS and LISREL. The goodness of fit indices indicated that the model fit with the data. The results revealed that symptom experience had a significant negative direct effect on quality of life (beta = - 0.74, p < 0.05) and self-care strategies had a significant positive direct effect on quality of life (beta = 0.62, p < 0.05). Age, social support and antiretroviral treatment had a significant positive direct effect on quality of life (beta = 0.66, p < 0.05, beta = 1.50, p < 0.05, beta = 0.80, p < 0.05), respectively. Antiretroviral treatment had a significant positive direct effect on self care strategies (beta = 0.15, p < 0.05). Moreover, social support and antiretroviral treatment had indirect effect on quality of life via self-care strategies. The model accounts for a 56% of variance on quality of life. The finding indicated that social support and antiretroviral treatment were the significant factors of quality of life. The results in this study suggested for policy makers and develop intervention to enhance quality of life in persons living with HIV/AIDS in the future.