Causal attributions for fatigue among late middle-aged and older adultswith HIV infection.
Older adults (aged 50+) with HIV were asked to discuss their experience of fatigue. Although some suggested multiple causes, many of the 49 participants attributed fatigue to their disease and did not consider other possible explanations which might include simply growing older. The findings are important for two reasons. The first is that an incorrect belief that the disease is progressing more rapidly than it is may heighten the sense of anxiety and vulnerability. The other problem is that treatable causes of fatigue, such as depression, may be overlooked.
MSc Gerontological Practice, University of Portsmouth.
Ruth
R
Sander