Resilience, stress, and life quality in older adults living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Objectives: This study tested the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between life stress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older people, 50 years of age and older, living with HIV/AIDS (OPLWHA).

Method: Data from 299 OPLWHA were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to define a novel resilience construct (represented by coping self-efficacy, active coping, hope/optimism, and social support) and to assess mediating effects of resilience on the association between life stress and HRQoL (physical, emotional, and functional/global well-being).

Results: SEM analyses showed satisfactory model fit for both resilience and mediational models, with resilience mediating the associations between life stress and physical, emotional, and functional/global well-being.

Conclusion: Resilience may reduce the negative influence of life stress on physical, emotional, and functional/global well-being in OPLWHA. Interventions that build personal capacity, coping skills, and social support may contribute to better management of HIV/AIDS and increase HRQoL.

Keywords:

• resilience
• HIV/AIDS
• older adults
• quality of life
• life stress

Acknowledgements

We extend our appreciation to all study participants and to our community partners who collaborated with this study: Columbus AIDS Task Force, AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati, and Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in NYC.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was support by National Institute of Mental Health [grant number R01MH067566]; National Institute of Mental Health [grant number K01MH103080].