Authors: N R Reynolds L Sanzero Eller P K Nicholas I B Corless K Kirksey M J Hamilton J K Kemppainen E Bunch P Dole D Wantland E Sefcik K M Nokes C L Coleman M Rivero G E Canaval Y F Tsai W L Holzemer
Publish Date: 2007/08/18
Volume: 13, Issue: 2, Pages: 258-267
Abstract
Research has shown that the perceptions that form the cognitive representation of an illness illness representation are fundamental to how persons cope with illness This study examined the relationship of illness representation of HIV with selfcare behavior and health outcomes Data were collected at 16 sites in the United States Taiwan Norway Puerto Rico and Colombia via survey HIV seropositive participants n = 1217 31 female 38 AfricanAmerican/Black 10 Asian/Pacific Islander and 26 White/Anglo completed measures of illness representation based on the commonly accepted fivecomponent structure identity timeline consequences cause and cure/controllability Weinman et al 1996 Psychology and Health 11 431–445 Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate relationships among illness representation selfcare behaviors and qualityoflife outcomes Components of illness representation were associated with selfcare and health outcomes indicating that the cognitive representation of HIV has consequences for effective illness management For example perception that there is little that can be done to control HIV was significantly associated with fewer and less effective selfcare activities F = 1286 P 001 and poorer health function in the domain of qualityoflife F = 1389 P 001 The concept of illness representation provides a useful framework for understanding HIV symptom management and may be useful in directing development of effective patientcentered interventionsSupport US NIH NIAID AIDS Clinical Trials Group U01AI68636 The Ohio State University U01AI069474 NIH NINR R01 NR05108 nrr We wish to thank the study volunteers for their contribution to this project and Christopher Holloman PhD Director Statistical Consulting Service The Ohio State University for his consultation
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