| 476P |
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INCOME LEVEL AND THE SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
Claude Olivier
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Objectives: Despite the fact that Canadians with low incomes face more physical, social and mental health problems than those with higher incomes (Federal, Provincial and Territorial Advisory Committee on Population Health, 1999), few published studies compare the experiences of low-income and high-income persons living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) across a broad range of issues. This study examines how PHAs of different income levels experience income security, employment, housing and various psychosocial problems and feelings.
Methods: The study uses survey data gathered from PHAs residing in New Brunswick. Study participants (n=57) were divided into two groups based on incomes below or above Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-offs. In addition to frequencies and measures of central tendency, chi-square tests were carried out to determine differences between income levels in relation to examined variables.
Results: Low-income participants were more likely than higher-income participants to be unemployed, disabled and receiving provincial social assistance. In addition, a strong link was found between a decline in health status and a decline in income. Low-income PHAs were also more likely to report inadequate housing, shared accommodation with non-family members and a shorter time living in the same residence. More low-income PHAs than those with higher incomes reported experiencing a number of distressing feelings and problems, including feelings of depression and helplessness, HIV-related discrimination, family tension because of HIV/AIDS, rejection by family or friends, and alcohol or drug use.
Conclusions: The study identifies a broad range of issues associated with income level that have significant implications for the well-being of PHAs. Healthcare providers need to be cognizant that low-income PHAs may experience numerous psychosocial stressors associated with their income status. Most importantly, because of the clear link between income level and well-being, addressing poverty and unemployment should contribute to a better quality of life for low-income PHAs.