Citation

Maria Isabel Echanis-Melgar. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine 2012; 6.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The prevalence of suicide ideation and suicide attempts during the early months of diagnosis have been observed during clinical work by the author with some of the men and women newly diagnosed with HIV. Depression, hopelessness and grief among positive clients were among the common psychological and emotional conditions that have put PLHIV at risk for ending their lives. These negative psychological conditions were mainly attributed to the stigma and shame associated with the dreaded disease as well as the life threatening nature of this disease. Howeve, many have survived this critical phase and moved on with their lives remarkably well. A review of local literature revealed no single study ever done to investigate the predictors and protective factors against suicidality among Filipino PLHIV. The aim of this study is to explore and identify the reasons for living and other psychosocial factors that have helped our PLHIV respondents lived well with HIV. The present study surveyed 96 people with HIV with ages ranging from 22 to 50 years where the duration of illness ranged from one month to 21 years or a mean of 45 months. There were 67 males and 28 females who participated in the study. In terms of religion, 74% were Roman Catholics. Survey questionnaires administered were the Filipino Reason for Living Scale (FRLS), the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, the Coping Self Efficacy Scale and a Personal Profile Form. Respondents obtained a mean high score of 149.5 (S.D. =13.5) on the FRLS where the maximum possible score was 162, A factor analysis of the FRLS responses revealed that the most critical dimensions underlying the reason for living were a strong relationship with God and the support received from the family. Among the variables, the coping mechanisms utilized by PLHIV respondents were found to be correlated with reasons for living. Furthermore, this study found that the top coping strategies used by PLHIV were praying to God; making new friends; standing firm and fighting for what they want; engaging in positive talk; doing something positive when discouraged; and getting support from the family. All the other variables such as self-esteem, extent of disclosure about their status, employment and years of diagnosis had very little relationship with reasons for living. These findings show that faith in God and support from the family may bolster resilience and protect against suicidality among people living with HIV and AIDS. Moreover, this study highlights the key role of HIV counsellors in helping clients disclose their HIV status to family members and in enlisting the positive support of the latter. The study also identifies spiritual counselling as a critical component particularly in the early stages of HIV diagnosis. The motivation to live an inspired life amidst the fact that there is no cure for this condition and AIDS stigma remains strong in the society is a lifelong challenge for those infected and affected by HIV.

Language: en

Keywords

Philippines; PLHIV