Stress among HIV Positive Patients

This study examined the effects of HIV (positive) and interaction effects of group and gender on stress among HIV patients. The sample consisted of 100 HIV positive patients and 100 control normal counterparts. 2 × 2 factorial (2 group × 2 gender) design was used. The participants were male and female in age range of 25 to 55 years, selected from hospitals and community care centers of Varanasi city. Only those patients were selected who were diagnosed by medical specialists as HIV positive patients and who did not have any history of psychiatric problem. Normal individuals were those who have not been suffering from any severe disease for the last two years. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the patients. Singh Personal Stress Source Inventory (SPSSI) was used and data were analyzed according to the design. The disease group perceived higher stress as compared to the normal control group. The male HIV positive patients scored significantly higher on stress scale as compared to female HIV positive patients. The results are discussed in the light of the psychosocial and cultural factors.