An evaluation of depression, self-efficacy, satisfaction with life and perceived access to medical care across stages of HIV infection

Authors

Toni Marie DiDona, Florida International University

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Social Welfare

First Advisor's Name

Karen Sowers-Hoag

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Betsy Smith

Third Advisor's Name

Anne Humphrey

Fourth Advisor's Name

Scott Briar

Fifth Advisor's Name

Betty Blythe

Sixth Advisor's Name

Fred Becker

Keywords

HIV infections -- Psychological aspects, HIV-positive persons -- Mental health

Date of Defense

2-22-1994

Abstract

This survey was designed to identify the incidence and scope of depression, satisfaction with life, self-efficacy and perceived access to medical care for those who are infected with the HIV virus. It also determined whether or not factors such as sexual orientation, ethnicity and socioeconomic status are intervening variables with respect to mental health issues.

Subjects were recruited through a purposive sample from South Florida. A total of 871 surveys were used in the analysis. The overall response rate was nearly 90%.

The incidence of depression was found to be higher than 75% across all stages of HIV infection. Furthermore, the incidence of depression increased as HIV disease progressed. Satisfaction with life and for the most part, self efficacy were found to decrease slightly as HIV disease progressed. Significant variance in depression, life satisfaction and self efficacy were found across stages of HIV infection. No significant differences between groups that were HIV infected, were found for depression, life satisfaction and self efficacy.

The severity of depression was found to vary significantly with self efficacy, life satisfaction and access to medical care but not with socioeconomic status. Life satisfaction was found to vary significantly with socioeconomic status, depression and self efficacy but not with access to medical care, Self-efficacy was found to vary significantly with socioeconomic status, depression and life satisfaction but not with access to medical care.

Gender and ethnicity were not found to be significant precedent variables in depression for HIV infected individuals. Sexual orientation was found to be a significant precedent variable for depression, life satisfaction and self efficacy.

Identifier

FI14062287

Recommended Citation

DiDona, Toni Marie, "An evaluation of depression, self-efficacy, satisfaction with life and perceived access to medical care across stages of HIV infection" (1994). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2815.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2815