Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

11-20-2020

Graduate Advisor

Natalie Murphy, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC

Committee

Natalie Murphy, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC

Louise Miller, Ph.D., RN

Patricia Plumley, MSW, MA, LNHA

Abstract

Problem: Life expectancy for people living with HIV significantly increased with widespread use of antiretroviral therapy, resulting in population increases in comorbidity prevalence. The increased burden of living with both HIV and comorbidities lowers health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods: Using a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of HIV-positive adults was selected from seven supportive housing communities. Comorbidities were assessed using a modified Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire, and HRQoL using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Scale v1.2 – Global Health.

Results: A sample of 17 (N = 17) adults reported a mean of 4.2 (SD = 2.8) comorbidities. Mean scores for global physical health (GPH) and global mental health (GMH) were 40.8 (SD = 9.5) and 45.8 (SD = 10.4), respectively. Significant inverse correlations for number of comorbidities (rp = -.77, p < .001) and health survey scores (rp = -.80, p < .001) were observed with GPH scores. Additional significant inverse correlations for number of comorbidities (rp = -.49, p = .047) and health survey scores (rp = -.56, p = .031) were observed with GMH scores.

Implications for Practice: A high comorbidity prevalence accompanied by reports of functional limitation and association of decreased HRQoL with increasing number and severity of comorbidity guide targeted intervention development, and support the use of programs such as chronic disease self-management education and support to improve HRQoL in this population of adults living with HIV in supportive housing.

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