Illness related uncertainty in the lives of people living with HIV

Abstract

Section A
This systematic literature review analysed twenty-three qualitative and quantitative studies
investigating the experiences of illness uncertainty in the lives of people living with HIV.
Specifically, the review aimed to identify sources of illness uncertainty for this population and the
ways in which people living with HIV manage these uncertainties. These results were discussed
within the frame of current theory and further areas of research were identified.

Section B
This is a cross-sectional online survey investigating the relationships between self-report measures
of social environment (i.e. social support and experiences of discrimination), illness uncertainty
and quality of life in an opportunity sample of people living with HIV. In line with theory,
discrimination and social support were found to be differentially related to illness uncertainty.
Furthermore, illness uncertainty was found to be related to quality of life. Clinical and theoretical
implications as well as limitations to the study and future research were discussed.

Date of Award	2020
Original language	English