The effectiveness of group-therapy intervention on quality of life and hope of women infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most important causes of death in the world and the affected patients, in addition to physical problems, experience various psychological problems, especially symptoms of depression such as hopelessness, isolation, and social isolation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of group-therapy intervention to improve the quality of life and hope in women with HIV. Materials and Methods: In this study, 24 HIV-positive patients were selected based on the hope scale and quality of life (QOL) inventories and were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. Intervention based on hope therapy protocol was executed on the experimental group for eight weeks. Post-tests were taken for both groups after intervention. For data analysis, multivariate analysis of covariance was used. Results: The results showed that there were significant differences in psychological health (t=-5.491, P<0.01) and social relationships (t=-6.092, P<0.01) between experimental and control groups in quality of life (QOL) pre and post-test. There were also significant differences in both subscales of hope, pathways (t=-6.257, P<0.01) and agency (t=-5.56, P<0.01) at 99% confidence interval.Conclusion: Covariance analysis indicated that hope therapy significantly increases hope in HIV- positive patients and can improve their quality of life (QOL) in the both psychological health, social relationships dimensions.[GMJ.2016;5(3):139-146].