Coping mechanisms - predictors of anxiety state in people living with HIV in Serbia

The aim of this research was to examine coping mechanisms and anxiety state in people living with HIV. The study included 45 people living with HIV from the Republic of Serbia. Although the main emphasis was on coping mechanisms as possible predictors of anxiety, other possible predictors of this state were also included. They were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of medical factors and the second of socio-demographic factors. The following instruments were used: CSI questionnaire for measuring coping mechanisms, BDI-II for measuring the state of depression, and a self-made questionnaire was used for medical and socio-demographic information. Coping mechanisms proved to be significant predictors of anxiety. Problem solving coping correlated negatively with anxiety, while avoidant coping showed a positive correlation. No correlation was found between seeking social support and anxiety. Satisfaction with social support and social status significantly affected the state of anxiety in people living with HIV in Serbia. Furthermore, the number of CD-4 lymphocytes and the presence of diseases unrelated to HIV proved not to be significant predictors of anxiety.