Perceived stress and its influencing factors among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in Kannur district, Kerala, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Context: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic remains a major healthcare problem for the humanity. It is important to understand the level of stress among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), which may have an influence on their living. Aims: The main aim of the study is to assess the perceived stress and the factors influencing. Settings and Design: Descriptive study. The details of a total of 750 PLHAs registered in the district were collected, and the researcher selected 210 samples using the simple random sampling method. Methods and Material: The researcher used the standardised Perceived Stress Scale developed by Sheldon Cohen in 1983. Statistical Analysis Used: The data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and tests. Results: While analysing the perceived stress of the respondents, more than half 61% of the respondents have reported a moderate level of perceived stress. The study also depicts that perceived stress is being influenced by gender, marital status, occupation, number of dependents, and monthly income of PLHA. Conclusions: PLHAs in the selected geographic area experience a significant level of perceived stress, which indicates the need for programmes to address it.