The Longitudinal Effects of Spirituality on Stress, Depression, and Risk Behaviors Among Men with HIV Infection Attending Three Clinics in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT. We examined the associations of two measures of spirituality (i.e., spiritual growth and religious coping) and perceived stress, depression, hazardous alcohol use, and use of tobacco and illicit drugs over time among men who had tested positive for HIV. Data were collected from 226 men at baseline, 197 at a 12‐month follow‐up, and 184 at a 24‐month follow‐up. There were significant time by spiritual growth interactions found for both perceived stress and depression. Increased spiritual growth, that is, spirituality that focuses on seeking meaning, purpose, and transcendence was significantly associated with reduced perceived stress and reduced depression, and the effects varied at different time points. Spiritual growth was not associated with specific risk behaviors (hazardous alcohol use, tobacco and illicit drug use). The effects of religious coping (e.g. Bible reading, prayer, church attendance) on outcomes were consistent across all time points. Religious coping was not significantly associated with perceived stress but it was negatively associated with depression. Moreover, increased religious coping was significantly associated with the likelihood of reduced hazardous alcohol use and illicit drug use.

This research was supported by a Veteran's Affairs Health Services Research and Development Nursing Research Initiative Grant (#98‐182) and by a Veteran's Affairs Health Services Research and Development Research Career Development Award (#99011).

Keywords:

• HIV
• AIDS
• Spirituality
• substance use

Notes

This research was supported by a Veteran's Affairs Health Services Research and Development Nursing Research Initiative Grant (#98‐182) and by a Veteran's Affairs Health Services Research and Development Research Career Development Award (#99011).