Perceived stress in HIV-infected individuals: Physiological and psychological correlates

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of perceived stress with selected physiological and psychological factors in an HIV-infected, predominantly African American population and to assess the multivariable effects on perceived stress. The variables that correlated significantly with perceived stress were entered into a backward stepwise regression model. Pearson's r analysis showed significant correlations between perceived stress and state and trait anxiety, depression, HIV-related symptoms, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and fatigue. State and trait anxiety, depression and fatigue retained significance (p<0.1) in the final regression model. These factors explained approximately 80% of the variance in perceived stress. The significant interactions of multiple physiological and psychological correlates suggest that perceived stress is a complex outcome with a multifactorial etiology. Further, the model suggests that psychological factors may contribute to perceived stress in this population more than physiological factors such as HIV-related symptomatology or stage of disease.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the women and men who participated in this study and the diligent staff who served on this project, Monet Pullen and Dawn Zaffiro. Orthobiotech funded this research through a grant administered by the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care.