Burden, strain and coping strategies among caregivers of persons living with HIV

Care giving for persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] is often an emotionally intense and physically demanding experience. Caregiver burden is the most common outcome measure in caregiver research. The aim of this study is to assess burden, strain and coping strategies among are givers of persons living with HIV. The study was conducted in three governorates namely; Cairo, Alexandria, and Gharbia. The subjects of the study included 145 care givers of persons living with HIV [PLHIV]. The data were collected using an interview schedule to elicit information about care burden, strain index and coping strategies among care givers. Study revealed that caregivers of PLHIV suffered from a considerable degree of care burden and strain. Spouse and parents caregivers significantly experienced more burden and strain than others. Emotional focused coping was more utilized by caregivers. The total score of coping strategies is statistically negatively correlated with the care burden. It can be concluded that caregivers of PLHIV experienced negative psychosocial consequences. They need help and support in order to assume their role effectively and compassionately

Cognitive profile self poisoning suicide atttempters

Worldwide, deliberate self-poisoning is recognized as a major public health problem with a significant morbidity. In the recent years, there has been growing interest in the contribution of cognitive factors to the etiology of suicidal behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine cognitive profile of self- poisoning suicide attempters. The study was conducted at Alexandria Poison Center in the Main University Hospital. The subjects of the study comprised 200 suicide attempters. Battery of psychometric tests that are; Suicide Intention Scale[SIS], Hopelessness Scale [HS], Negative Automatic Thought Questionnaire [NATQ], and General Locus of control [GLO] were used to collect the data through conducting the interview method on an individual basis. Results of the present study revealed that suicide attempters who had high intention to die were having more hopelessness, helplessness, low self-esteem and external locus of control than those who had not. However, only feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and death orientation were independent cognitive predictors of high suicidal intention