Study of Perceived Social Support and Psychological Well-Being Among People Living With Hiv and Aids

Abstract

BACKGROUND People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) face challenges including lack of social support and mental health issues like psychological well-being and quality of life. Coping with HIV may be facilitated by their social support network. Perceived social support might act as a buffer to stress-related crises and may aid in psychological well-being. The aim of this study is to study perceived social support and psychological well-being among people living with HIV and AIDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS60 PLWHA irrespective of WHO-clinical staging, ART status and duration of illness were subjected for the study. Socio-demographic data, Kuppuswamy's revised socioeconomic status scale, Multidimensional scale of perceived social support and Psychological general well-being index (PGWBI) were administered to study population. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods to measure percentage, mean and correlation. Setting-Study was done in the Department of Psychiatry in association with ART Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital attached to KAPV Government Medical College, Trichy. Study Design-This is a cross-sectional -observational study. RESULTSIn total, 60 study subjects Males and Females participated in equal number. Study reveals no significant relationship between sociodemographic profile and perceived social support. Psychological well-being had significant relationship with occupation and treatment status of an individual. Study infers there was statistically significant relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being of an individual. CONCLUSIONWith participants from different stages and duration of illness, the perceived social support of individuals had been significantly associated with psychological well-being. These findings signify the need for the health care providers to address mental, social support needs and optimise HIV related health outcome.