Socio-demographic factors, social support, and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana

2^nd International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs

October 27-29, 2014 Embassy Suites Las Vegas, USA

Tina Abrefa Gyan

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

This study determined whether socio-demographic characteristics and social support are associated with quality of life in individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Ghana. This study was guided by concepts from the intersection domains of social capital, social network, and social support theories. A convenience sample of 300 HIV/AIDS support group members were obtained via cross-sectional design survey. Data were collected from 300 participants selected because they attend support groups meetings, are a convenient sample, and also have experience in participating in research studies. The Medical Outcome Studies (MOS) HIV Health Survey and the MOS Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and demographic questionnaire instruments were used to assess quality of life, social support, and demographic information respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine if socio-demographic factors and social support contribute to quality of life. There was a positive association between overall social support and overall quality of life (r=0.51). The combination of socio-demographic factors and social support related to quality of life. Implications of the findings for practice, research, and policy in Ghana were discussed.

Biography :

Tina Abrefa-Gyan, a native of Ghana, is currently an Assistant Professor at Norfolk State University Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work. She completed her PhD at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, her Master?s in Social Work (MSW) at Washington University in St. Louis, and her Bachelors? degree in Social Work and Psychology at the University of Ghana, Legon. Her post?MSW experiences include graduate placement at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs-Division for the advancement of Women and clinical practice at the Hopewell Agency in St. Louis, Missouri (serving adults with mental disabilities). She conducted her doctoral dissertation on the ?socio-demographic factors, social support, and the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana.? She is publishing in this area and is currently testing the effectiveness of the Social Care Intervention for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana and in the Hampton Roads Community in Virginia, USA.