Effect of Social, Psychological and Physical Factors on the Quality of Life among Rural Female Afflicted with HIV in India

Women are at increasing risk of the HIV pandemic and face high rates of morbidity and mortality. Adverse associated factors are also playing an important role in their QOL. Present research aimed to examine the physical, psychological and social factors associated with quality of life among a sample of 120 HIV Afflicted rural women from Eastern Districts of Uttar Pradesh. Structured instrument were used to assess socio-demographic profile of women living with HIV. It is found prominently in results that socio-demographical variables like age, race, economic status, marital status, education level and time of HIV diagnosis were significantly associated with QOL of HIV Afflicted Women. It is also clear that HIV symptoms, perceived stigma, depression, adjustment problems were significantly and negatively associated with QOL whereas social support, problem focused coping strategies, perceived control on situations and healthy life-styles were significantly and positively associated with QOL (all p<.0001) of HIV Afflicted Women. HIV symptoms frequency, depression, problem-focused coping, perceived situational control, perceived stigma, healthy life-styles and race remained significant predictors of QOL and explained 55%of the variance among the study participants. These fmdings promote the need for support and resources in rural Indian Women Living with HIV. Intervention components that enhance spiritual peace, perceived QOL, may potentially be effective strategies for helping rural women living with HIV positive to cope with HIV stigma.