title: Relationship satisfaction of HIV-positive Ugandan individuals with HIV-negative partners.
abstract: Challenges of relational coping are well documented in the literature on couples and chronic illnesses, but there is significantly less research on the psychological aspects of couple relationships and HIV, particularly in international contexts. Coping with the uncertainty of illness progression, family planning, disclosure to friends and family, social isolation and stigma, fear of transmission, sexual intimacy, changes to social and physical functioning, and receiving and providing care pose special challenges for couples with discordant HIV statuses. This study examined the correlates of relationship satisfaction in Ugandan HIV-positive individuals seeking treatment at a community clinic. Relationship satisfaction of HIV-positive individuals was uniquely predicted by their couple identity and depression, underscoring the importance of mental and relational health in HIV/AIDS.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychological Brain Sciences , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Pasipanodya
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Heatherington
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda
keywords: HIV/AIDS; Uganda; couple identity; relationship satisfaction; serodiscordant couples