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Publications [#346465] of Kathleen J. Sikkema

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Journal Articles

  1. Olson, B; Vincent, W; Meyer, JP; Kershaw, T; Sikkema, KJ; Heckman, TG; Hansen, NB (2019). Depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and health-related quality of life among older adults with HIV.. Quality of Life Research, 28(12), 3313-3322. [doi]
    (last updated on 2021/12/08)

    Abstract:
    PURPOSE:In the United States, approximately 45% of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are ≥ 50 years of age. Many older PLHIV have multi-morbidities that complicate HIV infection and/or interfere with, or are exacerbated by, antiretroviral treatment. Physical health symptoms and psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, can worsen life quality in older PLHIV. METHODS:This study assessed associations among physical symptoms, indicators of HIV-related health status (i.e., time since diagnosis; ever diagnosed with AIDS; having attained viral suppression), depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older PLHIV. Regression analyses examined data from 296 PLHIV ≥ 50 years of age living in Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, OH, and New York City. RESULTS:Depressive symptoms and physical symptoms, particularly those related to appearance and sexual functioning, most strongly predicted HRQoL. Indicators of HIV health status did not significantly predict HRQoL. Depressive symptoms were a particularly robust predictor of HRQoL, even when accounting for physical health symptoms. CONCLUSION:Findings suggest that symptom management is critical to HRQoL in older PLHIV, and symptoms related to physical appearance and sexual functioning should not be overlooked in this growing population.


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