The drugs or the disease? Causal attributions of symptoms held by HIV-positive adults on HAART.

摘要: Studies of HIV-related symptom and treatment side effect prevalence often fail to distinguish individual causal attributions between the two types problems. However, an understanding appraisals is critical clarifying intervening on coping in context HIV symptoms effects. The objectives this study are (1) present reported by HIV+ adults taking combination therapy (2) describe differential impact health-related quality life. In a cross-sectional interview study, convenience sample 109 HIV-positive highly active antiretroviral (HAART) were interviewed using self- interviewer-administered measures life, physical problem checklists, attribution assessments. most prevalent problems fatigue, stiff/painful joints, aching muscles, diarrhea, feelings depression, neuropathy. Those commonly labeled as effects HAART included upset stomach, nausea/vomiting, constipation, changes taste. Most cited related disease tender lymph nodes, night sweats, weight loss, fever, loss strength. Impact effects, symptoms, both associated with impaired social functioning. Disease-related but not perceptions general health. Results suggest that persons make distinctions treatment. Perceived disease-related have significant unique associations Findings implications for management, provider relations, future research.