Psychosocial Variables Associated with Coping of HIV-Positive
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Authors
Kotze, Marinda
Visser, Maretha
Makin, Jenny
Sikkema, Kathleen
Forsythe, Brian
Issue Date
2013
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Coping styles , HIV AIDS , women , pregnancy , South Africa
Alternative Title
Abstract
To identify psychosocial variables related to
the use of coping strategies by HIV-positive South African
women diagnosed during pregnancy, structured interviews
were conducted with 224 HIV-positive women at antenatal
clinics over a period of 2 years. Two coping styles, active
and avoidant coping, were assessed using an adapted version
of the Brief COPE. Psychosocial variables associated
with changes in coping over time were identified with
mixed linear analysis. Increases in active coping were
associated with decreasing levels of internalized stigma
and depression, increasing self-esteem and positive social
support, knowing someone who is living with HIV, being
physically healthy and living above the poverty line.
Increases in avoidant coping were associated with
increasing internalized stigma and depression, lower levels
of self-esteem, HIV-knowledge and lower levels of education.
Recommendations are made for psychological
support services to strengthen women’s ability to cope and
enhance their health and that of their infants.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Springer Science