A Structural Equation Model of Religious Activities on Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Adults with HIV

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between age, years diagnosed with HIV (chronicity), and educational status on religious activities and to examine their role in predicting biopsychosocial outcomes. Study participants were 421 adults with HIV who were receiving services from an AIDS service organization (ASO) in Alabama. Trained personnel administered a survey which assessed age, chronicity, educational status, religious activities, health status, social support, and positive mood. Direct and indirect paths were specified between these variables. The final model fit the data well (GFI  =  .97, AGFI  =  .94). There were direct effects between age and chronicity, educational status, religious activities, health status, and social support; direct effects between educational status and religious activities, health status, social support, and positive mood; and direct effects between religious activities and social support. Based upon the model, interventions that may improve biopsychosocial outcomes are posited.

Keywords:

• Spirituality
• religion
• HIV
• AIDS
• successful aging
• depression
• coping