title: Gender differences in posttraumatic stress symptoms and social support in a sample of HIV-positive individuals.
abstract: The aim of the authors of the present study was to investigate gender differences in the levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and social support in a Polish sample of HIV+ men (n = 613) and women (n = 230). This was an anonymous cross-sectional study, and participation was voluntary. The research questionnaires were distributed in paper form among patients of Warsaw's Hospital for Infectious Diseases from January to October 2015. The level of PTSS was assessed using the PTSD Factorial Version Inventory. Social support was assessed using the Berlin Social Support Scales. HIV+ women scored higher on all PTSS dimensions compared to HIV+ men. HIV+ women were characterized by a higher need for support and more support actually received compared to HIV+ men. We observed a positive association between HIV infection duration and AIDS phase and the global trauma score only among HIV+ men. The moderation analysis also revealed a positive relationship between actual received support and the global trauma score among HIV+ women only. Increased clinician awareness is needed about the role of PTSS and social support among people living with HIV, especially taking gender differences into account.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Psychology , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rzeszutek
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Psychology , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland.
authors.forename: Włodzimierz
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Oniszczenko
authors.affiliation: b Warsaw's Hospital for Infectious Diseases , Warsaw , Poland.
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Firląg-Burkacka
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Gender; HIV; posttraumatic stress symptoms; social support