Socio-Demographic Profiles of HIV-Infected Persons Using Dysfunctional Coping

Abstract

Background: Many HIV –infected persons experience psychological difficulties that may require psychological intervention. Socio-demographic characteristics may constitute risk factors for some physical and psychological difficulties. Identifying and targeting high risk subgroups for effective psychological screening and intervention may improve physical and psychological functioning/health and productivity. Objectives: To identify HIV-infected persons coping by means of frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies. To assess the socio-demographic profiles of HIV-infected persons coping by means of frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, by administering 28-item Brief-COPE questionnaire, and socio-demographic questionnaire on 110 HIV-patients receiving HAART services at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching (A B UT H) Zaria, Nigeria, who were selected by convenience sampling technique. Results: Results indicate that there was significant association (P< 0.001) between socio-demographics and dysfunctional coping; HIV-infected persons who coped by means of frequent use of dysfunctional coping were characterized by; older age (36-46), female gender (sex), Christian religion, ‘others’ (mixture of 3 minority tribes in Nigeria), married marital status, HIV-infection duration of 2-4years (shorter HIV-duration), and lower educational status. Discussion: The socio-demographic differences reported may be due to differences in experiences and differences in subjective symptom reporting, etc. Conclusion/Recommendation: There is need for targeted psychological and behavioral intervention for people living with HIV and demographic groups at high risks for dysfunctional coping, to enhance their coping skills.