Studies of personality trait organization as observed in ratings have frequently suggested that a fivefactor model will not only suffice to account for observed correlations but will also stand the test of replicability. Factor analysis of 43 scales used to rate 499 children supported the five-factor model, although, as in some other studies, a weak sixth factor was evident. Intellect very clearly emerged as one of the five factors. The factors appear to be constructs that have been in the personality literature for some time.

This study examined the relationships between the five dimensions of the Wilson and Cleary model of health-related quality of life and three self-reported adherence measures in persons living with HIV using a descriptive survey design. Data collection occurred in seven cities across the United States, including university-based AIDS clinics, private practices, public and for-profit hospitals, residential and day-care facilities, community-based organizations, and home care. The three dependent adherence measures studied were "medication nonadherence," "follows provider advice," and "missed appointments." The sample included 420 persons living with HIV disease with a mean age of 39 years of which 20% were women and 51% were white; subjects had a mean CD4 count of 321 mm3. HIV-positive clients with higher symptom scores, particularly depression, were more likely to be nonadherent to medication, not to follow provider advice, and to miss appointments. Participants who reported having a meaningful life, feeling comfortable and well cared for, using their time wisely, and taking time for important things were both more adherent to their medications and more likely to follow provider's advice. No evidence was found demonstrating any relationship between adherence and age, gender, ethnicity, or history of injection drug use. These findings support the need to treat symptoms, particularly depression, and to understand clients' perceptions of their environment as strategies to enhance adherence. A limitation of this study was that adherence was measured only by self-report; however, the study did expand the concept of adherence in HIV care beyond medication adherence to include following instructions and keeping appointments.

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to examine the relationships between perception of engagement with health care provider and demographic characteristics, health status, and adherence to therapeutic regimen in persons with HIV/AIDS. The convenience sample of 707 non-hospitalized persons receiving health care for HIV/AIDS was recruited from seven U.S. sites. All measures were self-report. Perception of engagement with health care provider was measured by the newly developed Engagement with Health Care Provider scale. Adherence to therapeutic regimen included adherence to medications, provider advice, and appointments. Health status was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36), Living with HIV scale, CD4 count, and length of time known to be HIV-positive. There were no significant relationships between engagement with health care provider and age, gender, ethnicity, and type of health care provider. Subscales of the MOS SF-36 and Living with HIV explained a significant, but modest amount of the variance in engagement. Clients who were more engaged with their health care provider reported greater adherence to medication regimen and provider advice. Clients who missed at least one appointment in the last month or who reported current or past injection drug use were significantly less engaged.

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Symptom management for persons living with HIV disease is recognized as an extremely important component of care management. This article reports the validation of a new sign and symptom assessment tool designed to assess the intensity of HIV-related symptoms using two samples (study 1: n=247; study 2: n=686) of people living with HIV disease. Study 1 data were collected between 1994 and 1996 before the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Study 2 data were collected between 1997 and 1998 after the wide adoption of HAART therapy. The initial version of the Sign and Symptom Check-List for Persons with HIV Disease (SSC-HIV) included 41 signs and symptoms. This scale was submitted to a principal components factor analysis with a varimax rotation. The final solution reports six factors explaining 68.9% of the variance. The six symptom clusters (factors), the number of items in the factor, and the Cronbach alpha reliability estimates were: malaise/weakness/fatigue (six items, alpha=0.90); confusion/distress (four items, alpha=0.90); fever/chills (four items, alpha=0.85); gastrointestinal discomfort (four items, alpha=0. 81); shortness of breath (three items, alpha=0.79); and nausea/vomiting (three items, alpha=0.77). These six factors have strong reliability estimates and a stable factor structure that supports the construct validity of the 26-item instrument. Additional evidence supports the concurrent validity of the scale as well as its sensitivity to change over time. The final version of the SSC-HIV is a 26-item scale available for use by clinicians and researchers to measure the patient's self-report of HIV-related signs and symptoms.