Psychological distress in family members living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 1994 Feb;8(1):53-61. doi: 10.1016/0883-9417(94)90021-3.

Abstract

This article describes the psychological distress experienced by family members living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Survey data were collected from 133 individuals, (47 parents, 53 siblings, 33 adult family members who have HIV/AIDS) representing 80 families. In-depth interview and observational data were collected from a subset of the sample. The physical and psychological health of individual family members was assessed by the 53-item Brief Symptom Inventory. Parents, siblings, and people living with AIDS (PWAs) reported higher levels of overall distress and scored higher on symptom dimensions and clinically discrete symptoms than normative comparison groups. Implications of these findings for research, clinical practice, and health and social service policy are identified and discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Emotions
  • Family / psychology*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • HIV Infections*
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Sampling Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stress, Psychological / diagnosis
  • Stress, Psychological / nursing
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires