AEGiS-09IAC: Medical and psychological characteristics of extended longterm survival with AIDS: a follow-up study.

9th International AIDS Conference


Berlin, Germany — June 6-11, 1993

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Medical and psychological characteristics of extended longterm survival with AIDS: a follow-up study.

Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:118 (abstract no. WS-D15-3)
Remien RH, Rabkin J, Katoff L, Wagner G; HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute, NY.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To identify predictors of extended longterm survival with AIDS; (2) To assess the psychological status and quality of life of longterm survivors in the context of prolonged physical and psychological challenge and multiple loss.

METHODS: We conducted a one-year follow-up study of AIDS longterm survivors (N = 53; time since diagnosis at baseline: 3-9 years); all gay men. (We are currently interviewing female longterm survivors). Extensive qualitative as well as quantitative data were gathered.

RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of the original sample were lost to death. The remainder showed significant variability in their physical status (some improved, some declined) at follow-up. Better physical functioning (Karnofsky Rating Scale) (p .003) and a better clinician-assessed Quality of Life Index (Spitzer) (p = .006) distinguished the longer-term survivors at baseline from those who died. Age and length of time since AIDS-diagnosis were not associated with mortality. Level of psychiatric distress, hopelessness and capacity for pleasure did not distinguish the two groups. Nearly all experienced numerous personal and social losses. Nevertheless, depression did not increase with increased survival time. These longterm survivors exhibited considerable psychological resilience and continued to maintain hope and goals and to derive satisfaction in their lives.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinician-assessed measures of physical functioning and quality of life were useful in predicting continued survival for longterm AIDS survivors. There is variability in physical course with extended longterm survival. A positive quality of life and minimal depression is possible (even shortly before death) with extended survival with AIDS, regardless of physical status.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Follow-Up Studies, Survival, Karnofsky Performance Status, Survivors, Adaptation, Psychological, Depression, Death, Human, Male, Female, mortality, psychology, ICA9KWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,follow-upstudies,survival,karnofskyperformancestatus,survivors,adaptation,psychological,depression,death,human,male,female,mortality,psychology,ica9
930606
WSD153

Copyright © 1993 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.