occupational stress

 

 

 

Occupational stress among doctors

 

 

 

 

Rukmini s.*

Vijaya U. Patil.**

Chandrakant Jamadar***

 

 

 

 

 

Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychology, Govt Home Science College, Hassan, *¹

Assistant Professor, Dept of Home Science , Govt Home Science College, Hassan,*²

Assistant ProfessorP.G.Studies in Psychology,Maharani's Arts & Commerce women's college

            Mysore *3

 

 

 

 

Occupational stress among doctors

 

 

 

 

 

abstract:

 

The aim of the present study was to study occupational stress among male and female doctors. The target groups of 60 doctors in Hassan district, Karnataka,were selected among them 30 male and 30 females. The random method was employed in the selection of the sample. The personal data were prepared by the investigator and occupational stress index by Srivastava and Singh (1974) were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistical analysis has been carried out in the present study. Results on continuous measurements are presented on Mean ± SD (Min-Max) and results on categorical measurements are presented in Number (%). Significance is assessed at 5 % level of significance. The result reveal that there is a strong significant relationship between male and female doctors (t=0.007) regarding the sub index under participation. But in all other sub index there was no significant relationship between male and female doctors.

 

 

 

Key words : occupational stress, Anxiety,depression,satisfication

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Occupational stress is a major hazard for many workers. Increased workloads, downsizing, overtime, hostile work environments, and
shift work are just a few of the many causes of stressful working conditions. This factsheet addresses some of the causes of workplace stress and solutions for change.

What is occupational stress?

The human body has a natural chemical response to a threat or demand, commonly known as the

"Flight or fight" reaction, which includes the release of adrenalin. Once the threat or demand is over the body can return to its natural state. A stressor is an event or set of conditions that causes a stress response. Stress is the body's physiological response to the stressor, and strain is the body's longer-term reaction to chronic stress.

 

Stress is the psychological and physical state that results when the resources of the individual are not sufficient to cope with the demands and pressure of the situation.¹Level of job satisfaction and stress can affect both individuals and organization. At the individual level, low level of job satisfaction and high level of job stress are threat to mental and physical health, quality of life, goal achievement and personal development. Whereas, for the workplace these conditions lead to increased absenteeism, conflict and turnover, and reduced quality and quantity of work. Thus identification of factors responsible for stress and its management at its primary level has long term benefits both for employee and employer.

 

Job stress is a recognized problem in health care workers and doctors are considered to be at particular risk of stress and stress related psychosocial problems. Doctors have higher degree of psychological morbidity, suicidal tendencies and alcohol dependence than controls of comparable social class. Caplan reported that about half of senior medical staff suffers from high level of stress and a similar proportion suffers from anxiety. Similarly, Firth-Cozens found that half of the junior doctors in their pre-registration year were suffering from emotional disturbance. The delivery of high-quality medical care contributes to improved health outcomes. Doctor's job satisfaction affects quality of medical care's that he/she provides, patient's satisfaction with the doctor, patient's adherence to treatment and decreases doctor's turnover. Studies from West deduce that long working hours and over-work are important factors for job dissatisfaction and stress among doctors.

 

This study assessed the levels and association of occupational stress and depression rate among physicians, and to compare physicians' occupational stress with that of Taiwanese employees in other occupations. The subjects were physicians employed at 14 participating regional hospitals in the Around Taiwan Health Care Alliance. Self-administered questionnaires capturing data on demographics, occupational characteristics, occupational stress by Job Content Questionnaire (C-JCQ), and health status Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire (TDQ) were sent to eligible physicians. Results revealed that the depression rate (13.3%) was higher than that found in the general population (3.7%) of Taiwan. The mean scores of the JCQ dimensions "work demands" and "job control" were both much higher than those in most occupations in Taiwan. Higher depression scores were found in subjects with higher work demands, 8-10 d of being on duty per month, and more frequent alcohol consumption, while lower depression scores were found in subjects working in the east Taiwan area, with higher job control and with greater workplace social support. On the other hand, gender, smoking, and working hour were not independently correlated with depression, but the interaction of gender and job control also had an independent effect on depression. This study suggests that job stress plays an important role in depression in physicians; it is necessary to pay attention to physicians at high risk of depression, as well as their work environments, for early detection and intervention(Wang LJ, Chen CK, Hsu SC, 2010).

 

Srivastav and Urmila (2002) in a study on relationship of job and life stress to health outcomes among Indian managerial personnel examines the relationship between job and life stress and health outcomes of management personnel. A sample of 200 male mangers completed questionnaires covering occupational stress, life stress, psychosomatic health complaints data on blood pressure were also collected. Job stress was significantly related pathogenic health habits. As compared to job stress, life stress was found to be stronger than predictor of health outcomes.

 

Banerjee and Gupta (1996) worked on moderating effect of social support in occupational stress strain relationship between occupational stresses and strain among male and female occupants, 200 male and female occupants from four different occupations viz., Police officer, Advocates, Doctors and Clerks were selected on the basis of stratified random sampling method. 25 males and 25 females from each occupation were taken. It was assumed that social support can moderate the relationship between occupational stresses and strains. Multiple regression analysis was used to test moderating effect of social support by comparing the R values of high and low social support groups split at the quartile point. The result indicates that social support can moderate the relationships between occupational stresses and strains. But the findings of this study did not prove the relationships of social support and strain relations in the was expected to function.

 

Gellis (2002) worked on coping with occupational stress in healthcare and compared social workers and nurses job stress, job satisfaction and the use of three coping methods. Separate multiple regressions were completed for social workers and nurses to examine the relative influence of job stress and coping on job satisfaction. For both groups, perceived job stress was the greatest contributor to job satisfaction. Some methods of coping also were significantly related to job satisfaction; however, these differed between the two groups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

objectives:

 

1. To study occupational stress among doctors.
   
2. To study occupational stress among male and female doctors.
   

 

 

 

materials and methods:

 

The sample of present study was taken from doctors in Hassan district, Karnataka. The target groups of 60 doctors were selected among them 30 male and 30 females. The random method was employed in the selection of the sample. The respondents were given assurance of confidentiality.

 

 

tools:

 

Following tools were employed in the present study

1. Personal data sheet
   
2. The occupational stress index by Srivastava and Singh (1974)
   

 

Personal data sheet: the socio demographic data for the present research was elicited using this personal data sheet. The researcher prepared this schedule himself. This is detailed schedule, which consists of provision to collect data on age, sex, income etc.

 

Occupational stress Index

 

Occupational stress index standardized by Srivastava and Singh (1974) was administered to assess the level of stress among the doctors. This scale consists of 46 items, each to be rated on the five point rating scale, by indicating strongly disagree, disagree, undecided, agree, strongly agree. Out of 46 items, 28 items are true keyed and the rest 18 are false keyed. The items relate to almost all relevant components of the occupational life, which cause stress in some way or the other. Such as Role Over load, Role ambiguity, Role conflict, unreasonable group and political pressure, responsibility for persons, under participation, powerlessness, poor peer relations, intrinsic impoverishment, low status, strenuous working conditions and un profitability.

 

 

statistical methods:

Descriptive statistical analysis has been carried out in the present study. Results on continuous measurements are presented on Mean ± SD (Min-Max) and results on categorical measurements are presented in Number (%). Significance is assessed at 5 % level of significance. The following assumptions on data is made, Student t test (two tailed, independent) has been used to find the significance of study parameters on continuous scale between two groups.

Results and Discussion

 

The objectives of the present study are to find out the relationship of occupational stress among doctors and to study occupational stress among male and female doctors. The data obtained from 30 male and 30 females doctors to relevant statistical techniques to test the objectives formulated for the study. The results were presented in the Tables.

 

They are in the age group of 25 to 50 years. Table 1 shows that mean age of male is significantly less than the female doctors (34.48 vs 38.93 years) . The overall age of doctors studied is 36.63 years.

    The duration of experience is 1 to > 20 years. Table 2 shows duration of experience is significantly more in females compared to males with P= 0.044*

Table3 shows the occupation stress among doctors (male & female). There is a strong significant relationship between male and female doctors (t=0.007) regarding the sub index under participation Rests of the scores are as follows in the role overload the score of male is (19.45±5.33) and female is (18.66±2.21). There is no significant relationship between male and female scores ( t= 0.458). In Role ambiguity the mean and SD of male and female is 13.26±1.55 & 13.31±2.25 respectively where the total score is 0.916 and there is no significant relationship between male and female doctors. In Role conflict the mean and SD of male and female doctors are 14.06±2.73 & 14.86±2.01 respectively where the total is 0.206. There is no significant relationship between male and female doctors. In Unreasonable group political pressure the mean and SD is 14.32±2.34 & 13.76±2.56 of male and female doctors and the total is 0.377. In Responsibility for persons the mean and SD the total is 0.594 in all these score there is no significant relationship between male and female doctors. But Under participation we can see a significant relationship between male and female doctors. Regarding Powerlessness of the doctors the male and female mean and SD is 9.68±1.74 & 10.07±1.33 respectively and the total is 0.334. The mean and SD of Poor peer relations is 10.94±2.37 & 10.17±1.91 respectively and the total is 0.176. The total 0.267 can be seen in Intrinsic impoverishment where the mean and SD is 11.55±1.69 (male), 12.17±2.56 (female). The felt the low status with the mean and SD score of 10.48±1.81 and 10.66±2.22 between male and female doctors and the total score is 0.744. They had the strenuous working conditions and the mean and SD of the doctors were male 13.55±2.20 and female 12.62±2.56 and the total is 0.137. The mean and SD is 7.58±1.89 & 7.62±2.64 of the male and female doctors with a total 0.946 were secured in Un profitability and both male and female doctors. Overall total score with a mean and SD is 145.81±10.48 & 146.52±8.50 respectively with 0.775 as total. But in all these series there was no significant relationship between male and female doctors.Even there is no significant occupational stress was observed among the subjects studied.

Age in years	Male		Female		Total
	No	%	No	%	No	%
25-30	9	29.1	5	17.2	14	23.3
31-40	16	54.8	14	44.8	30	50.0
41-50	4	12.9	10	34.5	14	23.3
>50	1	3.2	1	3.4	2	3.3
Total	30	100.0	30	100.0	30	100.0
Mean+SD	34.48+6.84		38.93+7.01		36.63+7.25

Table 1 : Age distribution of subjects studied.

 

Mean age of male is significantly less than the females ( 34.48 vs 38.93 years ) . The overall

Age of the doctors studied is 36.63 years.

Table 2 : Duration of experience

 

Duration of experience In years	Male (n=30)		Female (n=30)		Total (n=60)
	No	%	NO	%	No	%
1-5	13	41.9	5	17.2	18	30.0
6-10	12	40.9	12	40.9	24	40.0
11-20	4	12.9	13	44.8	17	28.3
>20	1	3.2	0	0.0	1	1.7
Mean+SD	7.29+5.73		9.97+4.18		8.58+5.17

 

Duration of experience is significantly more in females compared to males with P= 0.044*

 

Table 3: Comparison of Occupation stress Index in males and females

 

Occupation Stress Index	Male	Female	Total
Role overload	19.45±5.33	18.66±2.21	0.458
Role ambiguity	13.26±1.55	13.31±2.25	0.916
Role conflict	14.06±2.73	14.86±2.01	0.206
Unreasonable group political pressure	14.32±2.34	13.76±2.56	0.377
Responsibility for persons	9.35±2.35	9.72±2.97	0.594
Under participation	11.58±1.89	12.9±1.72	0.007**
Powerlessness	9.68±1.74	10.07±1.33	0.334
Poor peer relations	10.94±2.37	10.17±1.91	0.176
Intrinsic impoverishment	11.55±1.69	12.17±2.56	0.267
Low status	10.48±1.81	10.66±2.22	0.744
Strenuous working conditions	13.55±2.20	12.62±2.56	0.137
Un profitability	7.58±1.89	7.62±2.64	0.946
Overall Total score	145.81±10.48	146.52±8.50	0.775

 

 

There is a strong significant relationship between male and female doctors (t=0.007**) regarding the sub index under participation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

conclusion

It is incontrovertible that the medical prpfession is a challenging but stressful

occupation.It has been observed that doctors are prone to anxiety and depression, and to abuse alcohol(1). The quotidian stressors include tha intrinsic nature of job, work relationships and demands of career development.The article on stress management by Dr.Ken Ung is required

reading(4). But surprisingly in our study doctors are not in stress.May be because the organizational practices have changed dramatically, Govt now providing a dignified salary,

much more facilities & budget to work with ease and satisfaction.

 

 

References:

1. Bernard Rosner (2000), Fundamentals of Biostatistics, 5^th Edition, Duxbury, page 80-240
   
2. Robert H Riffenburg (2005) , Statistics in Medicine , second edition, Academic press. 85-125.
   
3. Sunder Rao P S S , Richard J : An Introduction to Biostatistics, A manual for students in health sciences , New Delhi: Prentice hall of India. 86-160
   
4. John Eng (2003), Sample size estimation: How many Individuals Should be Studied? . Radiology 227: 309-313
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chandrakant jamadar Profile

Chandrakant Jamadar

M.A. B.Ed., M.Phil (Ph.D)

Asst. Professor

P.G. Studies in Psychology

Maharani Arts & Commerce College for Women's

J.L.B. Road, Mysore-05.

Email: mscbrain@gmail.com

Mobile No. 9535819777, 9060630777

Teaching Experience : 2 yrs

Area of Specialization :

• Counseling Psychology
  
• Research Methodology
  
• Psychological Measurement
  
• Indian Psychology
  

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

1. Presented paper is international conference on psychology in mental health, Journey of a Profession : Prospects and Challenges, Held on July 26-28 J 2007, In NIMHANS, Bangalore.
   
2. Presented paper is second international Buddhist conference on perspectives on Engaged Buddhism, 17-18, April, 2010, Nagpur.
   
3. Presented paper in International conference on enhancing human potential: Bio-Psychosocial perspectives on Nov. 15-17-2010 in Chandigarh University, Punjab.
   
4. Presented paper in International conference on positive psychology: A New Approach to mental health held on August 8 2010 in Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur.
   
5. Participated in First International multi-disciplinary conference on "current research trends, held on Nov. 20 & 21 2009 at Mysore.
   
6. Participated in International conference on career guidance and counseling organized by International Association for Educational and Vocational guidance. In NIMHANS, Bangalore, held on Oct, 8, 9 & 10, 2010.
   
7. Participated in First International ABA conference in India hotel Taj, Bangalore held on Dec-11-12, 2010.
   
8. Participated in International conference on counseling as a tool for non-violent social change, held on Jan 4, 6 2011 in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
   
9. Participated in 46^th National and 15^th International conference of the IAAP on life skills for quality of life on 4-6, Feb 2011 in Mysore
   
10. Presented paper entitled "Gender difference is quality of life and coping HIV infected people in the 1^st International Conference held in CMR Bangalore on 8-9^th April 2011.
    
11. 
    

National Conference

1. Presented paper is National conference on Applied Psychology, career opportunities in Psychology: potential areas and required skills. Held on Jan 6-7, 2007 in VBS Purvancual University, Jaunpur.
   
2. Presented paper is National conference of community psychology Associan of India, Challenges in 21^st Century held on Feb 4-6, 2007 in Pune University.
   
3. Presented conference of AOP. Held on March 29-30, 2007, in S.V. University, Tirupati, (AP).
   
4. Presented paper is 6^th National conference of AOP, held on Sep. 13, 14, 2010, S.V. University, Tirupati (AP).
   
5. .
   
6. Presented paper is UGC National level conference on "Current trends in Physical Education and sports science in Mandya on 13 & 14^th May 2011.
   
7. Presented paper titled marital adjustment, Depression, Anxiety and stress among HIV working and non-working married woman in Iamh, Dharwad on 8^th & 29^th March 2011.
   
8. Participated in 5^th National conference of IAMH held on 29-30 Jan 2005, in Gulbarga University, Gulbarga, Karnataka.
   
9. Participated in 5^th National Confernece of ADP, Symposium on Interface between Medicine &Psychology, in Tirupati.
   
10. Participated in National conference on De-notified Tribes held on 23-24 Dec 2010, at University of Mysore, Karnataka.
    
11. Participated in UGC National Conference on HR Paradigms in the 21^st Century held from 27-29 Oct 2010 at JSS College, Mysore .
    
12. Presented paper entitled "Gender difference is quality of life and coping HIV infected people in the 1^st International Conference held in CMR Bangalore on 8-9^th April 2011.
    
13. Presented paper is state level conference in SBRR on positive psychology in Mysore on 21^st March 2011.
    

WORKSHOP & SEMINOR

1. Participated in one day seminar on A Need for counseling in Improving quality of higher education in Gulbarg Unviersity, Gulbarga, Karnataka held on 26-03-2007.
   
2. Participated in one day Seminar on Job opportunities in areas of Psychology in Rural area held on 20^th Oct, 2009 at Indian Institute of Psychology and Research, Bangalore.
   
3. Neuroplasticity held on 26 Sep 2010 at NIMHANS, Bangalore Participated in Research on Yoga in Depression: Neuroimmunology &.
   
4. .
   
5. Participated in UGC Sponsored Two-day National Seminar an 'Status, Role and Responsibilities of Teacher and Students in Contemporary Higher Education, Conducted on 17 & 18^th Feb 2011 is M.G.V.C. College, Muddibihal, Karnataka.
   
6. Participated Revised induction training for ICTC counselors under supervisory of NACO and KSAPS, Bangalore, held from 26-02-2007 to 09-03-2007at Gulbarga University, Gulbarga Karnataka.
   
7. Participated in one day workshop on Recent Advances in Mental Training under training of Prof. Lars Eric- Unistahl Scandinavian International university – SWEDAN, 14^th Nov 2010 at Punjab University, Chandigarh.
   
8. Participated one day workshop on 'Developing human strengths: New Horizons, under guidance of Professor Alex Linley Worwik University, U.K. at Chandigarh.
   
9. Participated in 'Clinical Skills' held on 3-03-2005 to 27-03-2005 at Kasturaba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka.
   
10. Participated in Workshop on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision an Social Exclusion and Inclusion on 27^th March 2011 in Mysore.
    
11. Participated in Workshop on Environmental law on 11-03-2011 in Mysore.
    
12. Participated in UGC state level seminar on 8^th March 2011 in Hassan.
    
13. Participated in Teacher Empowerment Training for Assistant Professors conducted by the Department of Collegiate Education, Govt. of Karnataka on 1^st May to 7^th May 2011.
    
14. PUBLICATION INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL
    
15. Paper entitled "Mental health and Adjustment of MSM published in International Journal of Social action, vol.6 No. 1-2, Jan-Dec-2010, ISSN: 0973-3116, Delhi.
    
16. Paper entitled "The impact of socio-economic status on life stress and adjustmental problems of HIV +ve patients", International Journal of Transactions In Humanities and Social Sciences, ISSN – 0975-3745, V2, N2, 2010, Meerut (U.P).
    
17. Effect of Vpasana meditation on mental health Gorakhpur social scientist, ISSN – 0976-8521, Vol-2, 2010, Gorakhpur.
    
18. Gender and age differences in coping styles, perceived social support and quality of life among HIV infected people, Orient Journal of Law & Social Science, Hyderabad, ISSN-0973-7480, Vol-IV, Issue-10, 2010.
    
19. Adjustment problems and Need for counseling for HIV +ve patients, orient journal of law and social science. Hyderabad, ISSN-0973-7480, Vol, IV, Issue-11, 2010.
    
20. Impact of Vipasana Meditation on life Stress, Oriental Journal of Law & Social Sciences, Hyderabad, ISSN-0973-7480, Vol-IV, Iwsue-9, 2010.
    
21. Marital Adjustment, Depression, Anxiety and Stress among HIV working and non-working women, Oriental Journal of Low & Social Sciences, Hyderabad, ISSN – 1973-7480, Vol-V, Issue-3, 2011.
    
22. Psychological Testing & Measurement, KSOU, Mysore. Block-4 (M.A. (Final year) 2010.
    
23. Paper entitled "Occupational stress among Doctors" published in Oriental Journal of Law and Social Science, Hyderabad Vol. No. V, Issue-5, ISSN: 0973-7480 April 2011.
    
24. Paper entitled "The impact of SES an Locus of control Adjustmental problems of HIV +ve patients, Published in Edited Book Social Research Foundation, Gulbarga.
    
25. Paper entitled published in Edited book social research foundation, Gulbarga.
    
26. Paper entitled "Aged among adjustment", Published in Asian Journal of Social Science.
    

Other Activities

1. Participated in state level N.S.S camp held on 23-09-99 to 2-10-1999 at Jawaharalal Nehru National Engineering college, Shimoga, Karnataka.
   
2. Participated in State level N.S.S Camp held on 12-01-2000 to 19-01-2000 at Agriculture University, Dharwad, Karnataka.
   
3. Acted as recourse person in KSOU Mysore,Gulbarga, Karjagi In Karnataka
   

   
   

Orientation / Refressor course

1. UGC Sponsored orientation course at ASC, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, held on 02-03-2011 to 26-03-2010.
   

Academy Member

• Association of Indian Academy of Applied psychology Chennai.
  
• Academy of Psychology Tirupati (AP)
  
• Gorakhpur social scientist, Gorakhpur (UP)
  
• International Humanities, Daheradun .
  
• Association of mental health Dharwad,karnataka.
• International association of Holistic Psychology
• Indian Science Congress ,culcutta
• Indian Psychology association

coping styles

Coping styles, Perceived social support and Quality Of Life among HIV Infected People

 

Rukmini.S * Chandrakant jamadar

 

ABSTRACT

 

To examine the relationship of the coping styles and QOL of HIV infected people. To examine the relationship of the perceived social support and quality of life of HIV infected people. Methodology: subjected who had been tested HIV positive and had undergone pre and post test counseling were screened for eligibility using random sample method, the target group of 300 participants were selected from Bangalore ICTC(Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre). Coping checklist by Rao,Subbakrishna and Prabhu,WHO QOL by HIV BREF, Perceived Social Support (PSS) by Mary E. Procidano and Kenneth Heller were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed by using correlation. The result revealed that Distraction Positive and Distraction Negative coping strategies best predicted with Physical domain and Psychological domain (QOL) HIV infected people. Perceived social support from friend's best predicted social support domain quality of life of HIV infected people.

 

Keywords: Coping styles; Quality of life; perceived social support: HIV/AIDS; physical domain; psychological domain.

 

 

*Assistant Professor,Department of Psychology, Government Home Science College, Hassan, Karnataka. India.

**Professor of Clinical Psychology, Dept. of P.G.Studies and Research in Psychology, Kuvempu University. Shivamogga. Karnataka. India.

***Asst.Professor P.G.Studies in Psychology,Maharani Arts &commerce college Mysore

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

HIV/AIDS is one of the main health and social challenged in the contemporary world. India is experiencing rapid and extensive spread of HIV infection India falls among the countries which have highest number of persons living with HIV/AIDS today. HIV transmission will increase among both adults and children in most parts of the country. Regional trends indicate increases in the occurrence of sexually transmitted infections. The spread of infection within the country is not uniform but heterogeneously spread across states and districts. The most common HIV subtype seen in India is HIV - 1 infection accounting for 86% of the total infections.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined Quality of life as "an Individual's perception of his or her position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns". It is considered to be a broad concept incorporating in a complex way an individual's physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, personal beliefs and his or her relationship to salient features of the environment (WHOQOL Group, 1995). However, health related QoL is more limited in substance and boundaries. It can be defined as "the value assigned to the duration of life as modified by the social opportunities, perception, functional states and impairments that are influence by diseases, injuries or treatment" (Patrick and Erickson 1988).

 

The perceived social support described in this report were designed to measures the extent to which an individual perceives that his/her needs for support, information and feedback are fulfilled by friends and by family. The distinction between friend support and family support is considered wii be important. Different population may rely on or benefit from friend or family support to different extents at a given time, there might be more change in an individual's friend network or family network. Friend relationship is often relatively shorter duration than family relationships, and while an individual's social competence probably plays a role in the maintenance of his/her support network (Heller, 1979).

 

J Fieaster and Daniel (2008) conducted a study using a HIV positive African American mothers samples. The investigators found that HIV positive African American mothers who had higher levels stressors perceived their stressors as a whole to be less controllable. Coping resources available social support and perceived control were positively associated with active coping and negatively associated with psychological distress. Avoidant coping was the most important predictors of psychological distress.

 

Tate, David C.; Van Den Berg, Jacob. J; Hansen, Nathan B ; (May 2006) examined the relation between race, social support and coping, particularly among HIV infected individuals. High levels of perceived social support were related to greater use of positive coping and seeking support. Lower levels of social support were related to greater use of self destructing coping. Those with increased social support, decreased hopelessness, and effective coping had increased QOL (Swindells et al, 1999).

Research investigating and documenting psychosocial consequences
of human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection has accumulated
during the past two decades. Several studies have pointed out
that psychiatric disorders may be diagnosed in a high percentage
of HIV-infected patients and that several variables, ranging
from medico biological to psychosocial ones, intervene in facilitating
the onset of emotional disturbances secondary to HIV infection. With reference to this fact, the relationship between coping
and psychosocial morbidity represents a field of specific interest
in HIV and AIDS literature. Coping, defined as the cognitive
and behavioral efforts made by a person to alter or manage the
problem(s) caused by a specific stressful situation, has been
repeatedly studied in HIV-infected subjects. From a psychosocial
perspective, it has been documented that coping styles greatly
influence the psychological impact of HIV infection. Early reports
indicated that active behavioral coping strategies were related
to lower mood disturbances in HIV-infected patients, whereas
avoidant coping was associated with higher emotional stress.
These data have been confirmed by more recent research,
which also showed significant interactions between less effective
coping styles and several variables, such as low social support;
personality factors (e.g., poor self-esteem, low control);
and high occurrence of stressful events. Furthermost,
effective coping has been found to be related with better quality
of life as well as reduction of risk-taking behavior.
From a psychobiological perspective, the way in which HIV-infected
subjects respond to their condition might also have a role in
molding disease parameters. In fact, some studies of HIV-infected
patients have shown that active coping was associated with higher
total lymphocyte, CD4+, and "Natural Killer" cell counts and that a rapid progression of HIV disease was more likely
in patients who adopted a passive or fatalistic–resigned
coping style, particularly if associated with depression and
occurrence of severe stressful events.

 

 

 

Aims and Objectives:

1. To examine the relationship of the coping styles and QOL of HIV infected people.

2. To examine the relationship of the perceived social support and quality of life of HIV infected people.

 

MATERIAL AND METHOD

 

The study was carried out on a sample of 300 (including 150 male and 150 female). The Subjects who had been tested positive and had undergone pre test and post test counselling were screened for eligibility, using random sample method. The study was conducted at Integrated Counselling and Testing Center (ICTC) Bangalore, Karnataka. Confidentiality was assured to each participant.

 

Tools :

 

The following questionnaires were used to collect the data and study the relationship between coping styles, perceived social support and quality of life among HIV infected people.
The data sheet was developed by the investigator after observing the need to examine the relationship of a few demographic variables and their role in contributing to coping styles, perceived social support and Quality of life of HIV infected people.

 

1. Coping check list (CCL: Rao, Subbakrishna and Prabhu 1989): The CCL is a self report inventory comprising 70 items, it covers wide range of behavioral, cognitive and emotional response to handle stress, items are scored in a yes/no format, the response indicating presence or absence of a particular coping behavior.
   
2. WHO QOL – HIV BREF (WHO 1995) Quality of life scale has 31 items. It measures the quality of life of person on various dimensions such as Environmental domain, Physical domain, Psychological domain, Social domain and Level of Independence and Spirituality domain.
   
3. Perceived Social Support (PSS) (Mary E. Procidano and Kenneth Heller, 1983).
   

   Perceived social support has 40 items, it measures perceived social support from friends and family. The PSS measures were internally consist and appeared to measure valid constructs that were separates from each other and from network measure. Friends (PSS – Fr), consist 20 items and family (PSS – Fa) consist 20 items.
   

 

 

Procedure : The study was conducted at integrated counseling and Testing Center (ICTC) in Bangalore region. Each participant was met individually. They were informed in detail regarding the nature of study. They were assured absolute confidentiality regarding their identity and the information provided by them.

 

 

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 

 

The Pearson correlation co-efficient were calculated to examine the relationship between Coping styles and Quality of life, perceived social support and Quality of life.

 

 

Table 1: Pearson correlation of Quality of life and Coping styles.

 

Quality of life		Problem solving	Social support	Dis- Pos	Dis- Neg	Acceptance	Religion	Denial
Physical	Pearson Correlation	.007	.072	-.019	.118	-.081	.067	.050
	P value	.904	.214	.745	.041	.163	.250	.388
Psychological	Pearson Correlation	.065	-.062	.156	.049	-.030	-.011	.000
	P value	.259	.283	.007	.398	.600	.847	.990
Level of Independence	Pearson Correlation	-.026	-.008	.083	.066	.057	.073	.036
	P value	.652	.893	.150	.256	.322	.205	.539
Social support	Pearson Correlation	-.071	.109	.021	.078	.021	.063	.029
	P value	.223	.060	.721	.177	.720	.278	.613
Environmental	Pearson Correlation	.033	-.021	.037	.069	-.033	.060	.050
	P value	.571	.723	.518	.234	.570	.303	.390
Spirituality	Pearson Correlation	-.023	.040	.084	.095	-.016	.031	.186
	P value	.689	.494	.144	.101	.785	.591	.001
Total Quality of life	Pearson Correlation	.004	.035	.132	.023	-.033	.099	.123
	P value	.948	.543	.022	.694	.566	.088	.033

 

 

Table 1 show that Distraction Negative coping strategies component related positively significant with Physical domain (QOL). The correlation coefficient was found to be significant at .041 levels. Distraction Positive Coping strategies component related positively significant with psychological domain (QOL). The correlation co-efficient was found to be significant at .007 levels. However Distraction Positive and Distraction Negative coping strategies component related positively significant with Physical domain and Psychological Domain (QOL). A finding supported by current literature O'Leary et al, 1998; Badia et al, 2000; J. Friedland, R. Renwick, M. Mcoll 1997. Distraction positive coping strategies positively significant with total Quality of life. The correlation coefficient was found to be significant at .022 levels. Denial coping strategies component related positively significant with total QOL. The correlation coefficient was found to be significant at .033 levels.

 

In summary Distraction Positive and Distraction Negative best predicted with Physical domain and Psychological domain (QOL) HIV infected people. Coping strategies component like Problem Solving, Social support, Acceptance and religion did not influence of Quality of life Domains like level of independence, environmental and spirituality domain (QOL).

 

 

Table 2: Pearson correlation of Quality of life and Perceived social support.

 

Quality of life		Friends	Family	Total
Physical	Pearson Correlation	.077	.103	.116
	P value	.186	.075	.044
Psychological	Pearson Correlation	-.069	.038	-.027
	P value	.231	.508	.645
Level of Independence	Pearson Correlation	.043	.080	.079
	P value	.455	.165	.172
Social support	Pearson Correlation	.143	.076	.147
	P value	.013	.192	.011
Environmental	Pearson Correlation	-.010	.047	.021
	P value	.869	.419	.715
Spirituality	Pearson Correlation	.095	.094	.124
	P value	.102	.106	.032
Total Quality of life	Pearson Correlation	.085	.150	.150
	P value	.143	.009	.009

 

 

 

 

Table 2 shows that perceived social support from friend's component related positively significant with Quality of life. The correlation coefficient was found to be significant at .013 levels which are significant either at .05 levels.However friends support component correlated significantly and positively with the social support domain (QOL). Supported by current literature Tate, David C.; Van Den Berg, Jacob. J; Hansen, Nathan B; May 2006; McDowell, Serovich 2007.

 

In summary, only perceived social support from friend's best predicted social support domain quality of life of HIV infected people. Only correlation coefficient between perceived social support from friends and Social support domain (QOL) were found to be positively related and significant. Perceived social support from family did not influence of Quality of life Domains like Physical, psychological, level of independence, environmental and spirituality.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

The relationship between quality of life and coping styles was examined using Pearson correlation techniques. The results revealed that Distraction Positive and Distraction Negative coping styles are the significant predictor of Physical domain and Psychological domain (QOL) HIV infected people. (O'Leary et al, 1998; Badia et al, 2000 ; J. Friedland, R. Renwick, M. Mcoll 1997). The relationship between quality of life and perceived social support was examined using Pearson correlation techniques. The review support for present study of HIV persons' satisfaction with social support, degree of hopelessness, and coping style. Those with increased social support, decreased hopelessness, and effective coping had increased QOL (Swindells et al, 1999; Tate, David C.; Van Den Berg, Jacob. J; Hansen, Nathan B; May 2006; McDowell, Serovich 2007). The results revealed that perceived social support from friend's best predicted social support domain quality of life of HIV infected people. Perceived social support from family did not influence of Quality of life Domains like Physical, psychological, level of independence, environmental and spirituality. HIV infected people get support from the counsellor, NGO and adequate treatment from the doctors. Limitations of the study the sample was not representative of the rural population. Finding Distraction Positive and Distraction Negative best predicted with Physical domain and Psychological domain (QOL) HIV infected people. Coping strategies component like Problem Solving, Social support, Acceptance and religion did not influence of Quality of life Domains like level of independence, environmental and spirituality domain (QOL. The continuation of investigation is strongly suggested. Further research is needed in the area of QOL and gender to better understand the relationship or lack thereof. Suggestion for future research would be to control for variables such as age. The combination of further research, a heightened sensitivity to QOL, Coping strategies and perceived social support in those infected with HIV/AIDS, despite of gender and a determination to improve this population's existence, are all recommendations based upon these findings.

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I convey my sincere thanks to the Karnataka Aids Prevention society for giving a permission to collect a data. I am grateful to all my ICTC Medical officer and counselor they have cooperated for my research work. I am thankful to my family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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