Relationship of Symptoms, Perceived Health, and Stigma With Quality of Life Among Urban HIV-Infected African American Men

Authors: Buseh, Aaron G.¹; Kelber, Sheryl T.²; Stevens, Patricia E.³; Park, Chang Gi⁴

Source: Public Health Nursing, Volume 25, Number 5, September/October 2008 , pp. 409-419(11)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Objectives:

To explore the relationship of symptom prevalence and intensity, perceptions of health, and stigma on quality of life (QOL) among HIV-infected African American men. Design:

Cross-sectional correlational descriptive study. Samples:

The sample consisted of HIV-infected African American men (N=55), all urban, age range 23-66 years (M=48.84, SD=7.67), average length of time since HIV diagnosis 10.79 years (SD=6.4). Measurements:

A questionnaire consisting of 5 instruments was used: (a) sociodemographic characteristics, (b) Holzemer Signs and Symptom Checklist for HIV, (c) perceptions of health, (d) Berger HIV Stigma Scale, and (e) Holmes HIV/AIDS-Targeted Quality of Life Scale. Results:

Prevalent symptoms were fatigue (98%), fear (92.7%), shortness of breath (92.7%), gastrointestinal upset (85.5%), numbness (80.0%), and headache (76.4%). Symptoms with the highest intensity were gastrointestinal upset, body changes, fear, and fatigue. Symptom intensity was significantly associated with the measures of stigma and QOL. Conclusions:

The results underscore the importance of incorporating a holistic view of the relationship of symptoms with QOL for HIV-infected African American men. Without efforts to ameliorate stigmatizing effects, however, nurses may be falling short in helping individual African American men with HIV infection achieve a better QOL.

Keywords: African American men; HIV/AIDS; quality of life; stigma; symptoms

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1446.2008.00725.x

Affiliations: 1: Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.N., is Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 2: M.S., is Biostatistician, Center for Nursing Research and Evaluation, College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 3: Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., is Professor, College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 4: Ph.D., is Research Specialist, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Publication date: 2008-09-01

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