CORRELATES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH HEMOPHILIA AND HIV-INFECTION

Evaluated the correlates of mood state (psychological distress) in a m ultisite study of two groups: (a) mothers of HIV-positive children and adolescents with hemophilia (n = 91), and (b) mothers of HIV-negative children and adolescents with hemophilia (n = 92). Socioeconomic stat us, quality of family relationship support, and frequency of negative life events accounted for significant variance in Total Mood Disturban ce (psychological distress) as measured by the Profile of Mood States in the overall sample. Severity of hemophilia was unrelated to distres s. A significant interaction between HIV status and frequency of stres sful life events indicated that this variable related more strongly to distress among mothers of HIV-infected children and adolescents with hemophilia than among mothers of HIV-negative children with hemophilia . Findings suggest that the presence of HIV infection in their childre n and adolescents may heighten the impact of negative life events on t he psychological distress experienced by these mothers.