Stress and coping in HIV-positive former plasma/blood donors in China: a test of cognitive appraisal theory

Abstract

Throughout the 1990s, many villagers in rural China were infected with HIV through commercial plasma/blood donation. These former plasma/blood donors (FPDs) experienced many HIV-related stressors. This study tested a cognitive appraisal model of stress and coping in a sample of HIV-positive adult FPDs. Participants (N = 207) from multiple villages completed a battery of questionnaires assessing HIV-related stress, HIV symptoms, cognitive appraisal, coping behaviors, and psychological distress. Participants reported high levels of HIV-related stress, depression, and anxiety. In a structural equation model, greater HIV-related stress, HIV symptoms, and threat appraisal were directly associated with psychological distress. HIV-related stress was also indirectly associated with psychological distress through threat appraisal. In a second model, coping was found to mediate the relationship between challenge appraisal and psychological distress. Results support the utility of cognitive appraisal theory. Stress management interventions targeting HIV-positive FPDs in China are indicated.

Figures

Figure 1

Structural equation model predicting cognitive appraisal and psychological distress in HIV-positive former blood/plasma donors. Standardized path coefficients are presented. Residual error variances were calculated but omitted from the figure. A superscript of f denotes a fixed path. *p < .05, **p < .01.

Figure 2

Structural equation model predicting cognitive appraisal, coping behavior, and psychological distress in HIV-positive former blood/plasma donors. Standardized path coefficients are presented. Residual error variances were calculated but omitted from the figure. A superscript of f denotes a fixed path. *p < .05, **p < .01.