Changes in health-promoting behavior following diagnosis with HIV: Prevalence and correlates in a national probability sample

Diet, exercise, smoking, and substance use patterns affect the course of il lness and quality of life for people with HIV. In interviews with a nationa l probability sample of 2,864 persons receiving HIV care, it was found that most had made health-promoting changes in one or more of these behaviors s ince diagnosis. Many reported increased physical activity (43%) and improve d diet (59%). Forty-nine percent of cigarette smokers quit or cut down; 80% of substance users did so. Desire for involvement in one's HIV care and in formation seeking-positive coping were the most consistent correlates of ch ange. Other correlates varied by health practice but included health status , emotional well-being, demographics, and attitudes toward other aspects of HIV care. Most people with HIV improve their health behavior following dia gnosis, but more might be helped to do so by targeting these behaviors in f uture interventions.