Social support, locus of control, state anxiety: Correlates of self efficacy of managing HIV

Self-efficacy of managing HIV may contribute to improved adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for people living with HIV (PLH). From a social-cognitive perspective (Bandura, 1989), behavior is the product of a dynamic interplay of personal, behavioral, and environmental forces. Individuals feel self-efficacious when they can picture themselves succeeding in challenging situations, which in turn determines their level of effort toward the task (Parajes, 2002). Several factors may be associated with self-efficacy. Social support may moderates stress through emotional support from family and friends, and enhance self-efficacy in PLH (Turner et al., 1993). Locus of control, associated with improved adherence (Molassiotis et al., 2002), may also contribute to self-efficacy. Reduced anxiety increases levels of self-efficacy which, in turn, leads to improved performance (Schunk, 2000). Our convenience sample consisted of 73 HIV+ adults (52% male, 61% African American, and 49% income <$0,000) recruited from Dallas/Fort Worth AIDS service organizations. Participants completed the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Illness Scale (Lorig et al., 1998; α=.91), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, 1969; α=.60-.75), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (LOC, Wallston, Walltston, & Devellis, 1979; α=.60-.75), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimmet et al., 1990; α=.85-.91). A linear regression analysis found that higher perceived social support (t=4.32, β=.29, p<.001), higher internal LOC (t=2.41, β=.54, p<.05), and lower state anxiety (t=3.56, β=.70, p<.001) explained 35% of variance in self-efficacy (Adj. R squared=.35, F(8,64)=5.87, p<.001). Addressing predictors of self-efficacy of HIV management in public health programs may enhance the quality of life for PLH.