Title of article :
The Effect of Psycho-Social Problems on Risky Behaviors in People Living With HIV in Tehran, Iran
Author/Authors :
Rasoolinejad, Mehrnaz Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Abedinia, Nasrin Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Noorbala, Ahmad Ali Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Mohraz, Minoo Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Bayat Jozani, Zahra Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Moradmand Badie, Banafsheh Faculty of Public Health - Flinders University - Australia
Abstract :
Objective: Over the past years, the prevalence and the progression rate of HIV infection in Iran especially through high-risk sexual relationships have regrettably been reported at very high levels. This cross-sectional study tries to analyze stigma, mental health, and coping skills on risky behaviors in HIV-positive adults in Tehran- Iran.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 450 HIV-positive adults. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the General HealthQuestionnaire-28, the Berger HIV Stigma Scale as well as the Lazarus Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOCQ). To analyze the data, the independent-samples t-test and Pearson Correlation were used.Results: The findings of this study revealed that mental health, stigma, and avoidance-escape coping mechanisms were correlated with risky behaviors (p ˂ 0.05).Furthermore, the amount of stigma among female individuals compared to men was reported at higher levels and mental health status in the given group was lower than among male individuals.Conclusion: It seems that psychological treatment techniques could be effective in improving mental health and reducing risky behaviors.
Keywords :
Stigma , Psychiatric Disorders , Coping Mechanisms , Risky Behaviors , Human Immunodeficiency Virus , Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics
