| Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a contagious, infectious, and potentially fatal disease that has affected nearly 340,000 Americans as of October, 1993. About two-thirds of these cases have resulted in death. Persons with AIDS and persons identified by the PWAs as their primary support persons were compared regarding their historical level of family functioning, intensity of stress, level of coping, perception of the impact of AIDS, health status, and quality of life.;Using a survey research design, two samples of individuals served as subjects in this study. The first sample (n = 114) was comprised of persons diagnosed with AIDS (PWAs). The second sample (n = 114) was comprised of persons identified by the PWAs as their main support persons who were not infected by HIV. Both samples were recruited through community based support organizations in South Florida. Data analysis indicated that Persons with AIDS, as compared to their support persons, had a significantly more stressful perception of the impact of AIDS, a poorer health status, and a lower quality of life. Restricted and saturated path analyses of the proposed theoretical model were conducted for the PWA group and the affiliative family group. For both samples, quality of life was significantly influenced by health status and level of coping; and health status was significantly influenced by perception of the impact of AIDS and intensity of stress. This model explained 32% of the variance in quality of life for both Persons with AIDS and their affiliative family members. For PWAs only, a significant causal link existed between historical level of functioning and the perception of the impact of AIDS. For family members only, a significant causal link existed between intensity of stress and perception of AIDS.;Family health professionals need to be aware of the importance of social support and its influence on both health status and overall quality of life. Persons with AIDS all too often neglect the potential social support available from family members due to the stigma of this deadly disease or the historical level of functioning in their family of origin. Recognition must also be given to the stress experienced by caregivers and support persons. By facilitating family support, professionals can make important contributions to the health status and the quality of life for both Persons with AIDS and their affiliative families. |
