Perceived social support, hope, and quality of life of persons living with HIV/AIDS: a case study from Nepal.

PURPOSE

This study investigates the relationship among perceived satisfaction from social support, hope, and QOL of PLWHA.

METHOD

A cross-sectional in design was applied, among a sample of 160 HIV-infected persons receiving treatment, care, and support from eight community-based NGOs. QOL was assessed using the WHO (QOL)-26 tool, and social support was assessed by use of a modified Sarason's Social Support Questionnaire. A Hope Assessment Scale was also developed.

RESULTS

The non-family support network was greater than family support network. Overall satisfaction from social support and hope was significantly correlated with QOL; the greatest effect of social support was on environmental functioning, and the lowest was on social relationships, emotional support was less a predictor of social relationship than other types of supports.

CONCLUSION

The effect of perceived satisfaction from social support was through the mediation variable hope. As it has widely been recognized that community-based support is vital for issues of quality of life, strategies to improve social support and hope intervention programs are strongly encouraged. The results of the study have implications for providing care, treatment, and psycho-social support to maintain or enhance quality of life of PLWHA.