Quality of Life in HIV-Infected People in Suphanburi Province, Thailand

Thursday, 15 July 2010

Natawan Khumsaen, PhD, RN
Research and Development Department, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Suphanburi, Amphur Muang, Suphanburi, Thailand

Learning Objective 1: examine the relationships among the selected variables and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand.

Learning Objective 2: identify the predictors of quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand.

Purpose: In Thailand, HIV disease is among the most devastating of illnesses, having multiple and profound effects upon all aspects of quality of life. Although research has suggested relationships among various psychosocial and spiritual factors, and physical health, much more research is needed to document their potential influences on quality of life among Thai people living with HIV/AIDS. The conceptual framework for the research is based on the Quality of Life Assessment in Chronic Patients (Molassiotis, 1997). The aim of this cross-sectional correlational study is to determine the strength of associations between social support, spiritual well-being, overall coping-adaptation process, and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) (n=107) in Suphanburi Province, Thailand. Also, the predictors of quality of life among Thai people living with HIV/AIDS will be examined.

Methods: The participants will complete the social support scale-Thai version, the spiritual well-being scale-Thai version, and the overall coping-adaptation process scale-Thai version, and the WHOQOL-BREF-THAI. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient (r) will be employed to examine the relationships among the selected variables and quality of life. Multiple regressions will be performed to estimate the magnitudes of the total effects of the selected variables on the outcome variable, quality of life among Thai people living with HIV/AIDS. Data will be collected using a variety of survey measures. Results: The findings of this study will provide the backdrop for the implementation of nursing interventions that will be designed to help reshape quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. Conclusion: This study may make contributions to health policy, nursing research, and community-based studies.