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Ways of coping and their effectiviness in people with HIV/AIDS. Differences between drug users and non-drug users

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES.- Differences in coping with HIV-infection between drug users and no-drug users were examined, and the relationship between coping and affectivity were explored. METHOD.- 105 HIV-infected subjects (50 drug users and 55 no-drug users) were evaluated in a cross-over study. Participants completed self-report measures including coping strategies with HIV-infection, mood state / affectivity variables (depression, anxiety and positive / negative affect) and the objective and subjective social support. RESULTS.- No differences were found in the coping forms between groups, nor regarding the affectivity. A correlational analysis showed that active coping, behavioural and cognitive, were associated (p< 0.05) with higher positive affect (r= 0.45) and lower anxiety (r= -0.24), while avoidance coping were associated with higher levels of depression (r= 0.31), negative affect (r= 0.31), trait anxiety (r= 0.33), and state anxiety (r= 0.21). CONCLUSION.- The results of the study are concordant with found in the literature, that show a positive relationship between active coping forms and affectivity, as well as a negative association of this with avoidance coping.