Risk Factors Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology in HIV-Infected Women

Abstract

This study examined risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in a sample of 102 HIV-positive women. The magnitude of HIV-related PTSD symptoms was associated with a greater number of HIV-related physical symptoms, more extensive history of pre-HIV trauma, less perceived availability of social support, greater degree of perceived stigma, and greater degree of negative life events. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed three individual predictors of PTSD symptomatology: total impact of negative life events, total stigma score, and total number of present symptoms. Stigma emerged as the strongest individual predictor. Social support failed to moderate relationships between PTSD symptomatology and HIV-related physical symptoms and negative life events. These findings may inform helping professionals about risk factors associated with PTSD symptomatology in HIV-positive women.