Demoralization Syndrome in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Introduction and

Demoralization syndrome is characterized by individual’s inability to cope with the stressful event and losing sense of mastery and meaning of life which could result in feelings of subjective incompetency and people can experience it after potentially fatal diseases. In this regard, demoralization syndrome in patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were compared to the general population.

In a descriptive-comparative study, 50 patients (aged 20 to 50 years) with HIV referring to infectious department of Imam Khomeini hospital, and the Tehran health centers with nonrandomized available choice, and with 50 people of general population (aged 20 to 50 years) in terms of gender, age and education level were matched for comparison and were selected to answer the Demoralization Scale (Kissane 2004). Data were processed by SPSS v.20 to calculate independent T test.

Findings indicate significant deference (P < 0.0001) between demoralization syndrome of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and general population.

Regarding to high level of demoralization syndrome in these patients, paying attention to their existential needs seems to be necessary in prevention of intensification of psychological problems.