Quality of Life, coping and psychological status of Thai people living with AIDS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess anxiety, depression, coping and quality of life and their interrelationships in a sample of Thai people living with AIDS in Northern Thailand. This was a correlational study using a cross sectional design. Eighty-eight symptomatic people living with AIDS completed standardized scales and open-ended questions. Anxiety was detected in 8.14% of the sample, with an additional 29.1% classified as ‘doubtful cases’ needing further assessment to establish a psychiatric diagnosis. Depression accounted for 12% of the sample with an additional 14.5% classified as doubtful cases. Subjects used emotion-focused coping strategies more often, with most frequent one that of positive reappraisal. Quality of life was moderate with lowest scores in the emotional well being subscale. Meditation (an emotion-focused coping method) was related with better quality of life. The effects of anxiety and depression combined could explain 44% of the variance in quality of life scores. Results indicate that more emotional support, community care, use of complementary therapies and family support could benefit people living with AIDS in Thailand and improve their quality of life.