Proactive coping and spirituality among patients who left or remained in antiretroviral treatment in St Petersburg, Russian Federation

ABSTRACT

Positive Psychology, the study of “positive” factors or strengths and evidence-based interventions to increase them, is a rapidly developing field that is beginning to be applied to HIV care. Proactive coping and spirituality are two positive characteristics that have been examined in multiple chronic serious health conditions. In the present study, lost-to-care (LTCs; did not attend treatment for ≥12 months; n = 120) and engaged-in-care HIV clinic patients (EICs; attended treatment for ≥12 months and adherent with antiretrovirals; n = 120) in Leningrad Oblast, Russian Federation were compared on the Proactive Coping Inventory and View of God Scale. EICs had higher scores in proactive coping [t(229) = 3.69; p = .001] and instrumental [t(232) = 2.17; p = .03] and emotional [t(233) = 2.33; p = .02] support, indicating that they engage in autonomous goal setting and self-regulate their thoughts and behaviors; obtain advice and support from their social network; and cope with emotional distress by turning to others. LTCs had higher scores in avoidance coping [t(236) = −2.31; p = .02]. More EICs were spiritual, religious, or both [ χ²(1, N = 239) = 7.49, p = .006]. EICs were more likely to believe in God/Higher Power [χ²(1, N = 239 = 8.89, p = .002] and an afterlife [ χ²(1, N = 236) = 5.11, p = .024]; have a relationship with God/Higher Power [ χ²(1, N = 237) = 12.76, p = .000]; and call on God/Higher Power for help, healing, or protection [ χ²(1, N = 239) = 9.61]. EICs had more positive [t(238) = 2.78; p = .006] and less negative [t(236) = −2.38; p = .002] views of God. Similar proportions, but slightly more EICs than LTCs were members of a faith community; members of a12-step group; or attended religious or spiritual services, meetings, or activities. More EICs than LTCs engaged in private spiritual or religious activities, such as prayer or meditation [ χ²(1, N = 239) = 9.226, p = .002].

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• AIDS
• retention
• attrition
• Russian Federation
• spirituality
• positive psychology

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the participants, Botkin Hospital, and Leningrad Regional AIDS Center.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funding from the Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator through the PEPFAR program [PEPFAR Supplement to R01-DA026336].