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Depressive Symptomatology among HIV‐Positive Women in the Era of HAART: A Stress and Coping Model
Author(s) -
Remien Robert H.,
Exner Theresa,
Kertzner Robert M.,
Ehrhardt Anke A.,
Rotheram-Borus Mary Jane,
Johnson Mallory O.,
Weinhardt Lance S.,
Kittel Lauren E.,
Goldstein Rise B.,
Pinto Rogério M.,
Morin Stephen F.,
Chesney Margaret A.,
Lightfoot Marguerita,
Gore-Felton Cheryl,
Dodge Brian,
Kelly Jeffrey A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1007/s10464-006-9083-y
Subject(s) - health psychology , coping (psychology) , social support , clinical psychology , psychological intervention , psychosocial , psychology , mood , mental health , self efficacy , psychiatry , public health , medicine , psychotherapist , nursing
Objective: An enhanced stress and coping model was used to explain depression among HIV‐positive women in healthcare and community settings where highly active anti‐retroviral treatment (HAART) was commonplace. Method: HIV‐infected women in four cities ( N =978) were assessed, cross‐sectionally, for mental and physical health, stress, social support, and other background factors. Results: Self‐reported level of depressive symptomatology was high. Number of physical symptoms, illness intrusiveness, and perceived stress were positively associated with depressed mood, while coping self‐efficacy and social support were negatively associated. Stress mediated the effect of health status on depression and coping self‐efficacy mediated the effect of psychosocial resources on depression. Our enhanced stress and coping model accounted for 52% of variance in depressive symtpomatology. Conclusions: Interventions focused on improving coping self‐efficacy, bolstering social supports, and decreasing stress in the lives of HIV‐positive women may help to reduce the negative effects of HIV disease on mood.