Behavioral competences, stress and life quality in HIV+ 100% adherent persons. An analysis based on the infection clinical stage

A cross-sectional study was carried out with the main objective to assess the effects of psychological variables on quality of life in terms on the clinical stage of the infection among 51 HIV+ persons, whom were 100% adherent. The physical health dimension yielded results as follows: in clinical stage A an effect of current behavioral competencies was observed (F [1, 13] = 13,372; p < 0,001); in stage B, effects included low stress-related factors with of tolerance to ambiguity and tolerance to frustration (F [2, 17] = 19,648; p < 0,001), and in stage C no effect was apparent. For the dimension of psychological health, results revealed: in clinical stage A, an effect of current behavioral competencies (F [1, 13] = 4,899; p < 0,05); in B, stage no effect was found, whereas in stage C low stress-related tolerance to ambiguity had an effect (F [1, 14] = 4,906; p < 0,05). The study suggests defi nitely effects of psychological variables on quality of life, including both physical and psychological dimensions, with differential role in function of the clinical stage of the infection. Some implications are discussed for the development of intervention programs, aimed at improving adherence to medical treatment and quality of life among HIV+ persons.