Beyond negative thinking: illness cognitions and demographics as correlates of psychological health among selected PLHAs in Lagos

Abstract

Despite ample research evidence suggesting a strong link between illness cognitions and patients\' psychological health, research in this direction in Nigeria is rather scanty, especially in a chronic condition like HIV/AIDS. This study explored the relationship between illness cognitions (helplessness, acceptance and perceived benefits) and psychological health of 46 outpatient persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) in a Lagos General Hospital. Thirty-two of the participants were females while 14 were males. Participants\' mean age was 37.1 (SD = 13.6) while mean duration of illness was 4.3 years (SD = 3.5). Results indicated that helplessness was negatively related to psychological health (r=-.49;p<. 001), acceptance was positively related to psychological health (r =. 38;P<. 001) and perceived benefits was also positively related to psychological health (r = .50; p<.001). Duration of illness was also found to be positively related to psychological health (r = .32;P<.001). These findings and their implications for effective policy formulation toward enhancing the psychological health and quality of life of PLHAs were discussed.

African Journal for Psychological Study of Social Issues Vol. 8(1) 2005: 121-131