A Comparative Study of Psychiatric Disorders and Coping Strategies between HIV Patients and Healthy Subjects in Khorramshahr

Abstract

Introduction: HIV infection is a common viral infection that affects humans and is one of the main causes of premature death, with a tremendous growth, particularly in Africa and developing countries and among young populations. In addition to the underlying factors, individuals' psychological traits and inability to cope with stressful situations are supposed to be among the accelerating factors in people with the disease. The aim of this study was to compare HIV patients with psychiatric disorders and coping strategies with healthy subjects in Khorramshahr, Iran

Methods: The subjects were purposefully selected. The tools were SCL90 and problem solving skills questionnaires. Subjects filled out both questionnaires individually. To compare psychological symptoms and quality of life between the groups , multivariate analysis and regression analysis were used .

Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups in obsessive scale (p =0.034 and T =2.18) and fear (p=0.04,T=2.11).Moreover, both groups were significantly different in strategies for coping stress, that is Problem-oriented coping style (p = 0.00 and T=4.631), emotional (p= 0.01 and T=2.566) and avoidant (p=0.02,T=-2.358). Between the two groups no significant difference could be observed in four subscales of sensitivity, fear, paranoid thoughts, and psychosis.

Conclusions: The results of this study showed that HIV leads to a general decline in mental disorders and efficient and effective coping styles. Patients with HIV are faced with numerous psychological and biological problems which make them different from other people. In general, social and psychological factors are involved in building and creating this condition. The person's personal and social problems will increase after he is infected with HIV.

Taking measures to prevent the spread of the disease, as well as medical, psychological and social work to reduce disease progression and greater consistency can be effective in helping people with this disease.