Exploring the relationship between illness perception, self‐management and quality of life among HIV‐positive men who have sex with men

Abstract

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to explore the mediating effect of self‐management (SM) on the relationship between illness perception and quality of life (QOL) among Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM).DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsWe explored the effect of illness perception and self‐management on QOL using the multiple regression model. Moreover, we conducted a simple mediation analysis to examine the role of SM in the relationship between illness perception and QOL. In addition, a parallel mediation analysis was performed to investigate the differences in domains of SM on the relationship between illness perception and QOL.ResultsAmong 300 Chinese HIV‐positive MSM, the mean score of SM was 39.9 ± 6.97, with a range of 14.0–54.0. The higher score in SM indicated a higher level of HIV SM. SM was negatively related to illness perception (r = −0.47) while positively related to QOL (r = 0.56). SM partially mediated the relationship between illness perception and QOL, accounting for 25.3% of the total effect. Specifically, both daily self‐management health practices and the chronic nature of the self‐management domain played a parallel role in mediating the relationship between illness perception and QOL.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that SM was a significant factor influencing QOL among HIV‐positive MSM. Focusing on daily self‐management health practices and the chronic nature of self‐management could be the potential key targets for enhancing HIV self‐management strategies.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareThis study emphasized the role of SM in the well‐being of HIV‐positive MSM and underscored the importance of developing interventions that integrate SM strategies to improve QOL in this population.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.