Perceived stress levels among HIV/AIDS-infected mothers: the role of over-the-counter products.
The purpose of this study was to identify correlates of perceived stress levels among 49 HIV/AIDS-infected mothers enrolled in a social services agency that provides HIV/AIDS support services in North Carolina. The author found in an Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis that the CD4 t-cell count, receipt of advice or support from church pastor, annual household income, and employed were all negatively related to seropositive mothers' perceived stress scores. Conversely, the need to have borrowed money from family members or friends to help pay for over-the-counter products like nutritional drinks, vitamins, or minerals was found to be positively related to these scores. The accessibility of these over-the-counter products could not only help to lower seropositive mothers' perceived stress levels but also potentially improve the functioning of their body's immune system. Implications for the Medicaid Program's prescription drug policy that excludes these over-the-counter products and prescription drug representatives are discussed.
Social Work Program, Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina 28144, USA. wellis@livingstone.edu
Walter L
WL
Ellis
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008484:Medicaid / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009657:North Carolina; D010327:Pastoral Care; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000191:economics* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D019562:Viral Load
D018977:Micronutrients; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs