Demographic and Illness-Related Variables Associated With HIV-Related Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms suffered by those with HIV infection, yet little is known about its correlates. The primary aims of this study were to describe the degree to which fatigue affects daily functioning and the demographic and illness-related predictors of fatigue. The sample (n = 128) was composed of primarily poor, unemployed people of color. Fatigue most often interfered with the ability to think quickly, perform household chores, exercise, work, engage in recreational activities, walk, plan activities, and think clearly. The consequences of fatigue were highest for lowered motivation, difficulty concentrating, increased drowsiness, losing patience, and interference with work, family, and social life. Multiple linear regression analyses showed statistically significant associations of employment status, monthly income, current antidepressant use, and number of years living with HIV infection as predictors of fatigue. These must be better understood to develop interventions to successfully ameliorate HIV-related fatigue.

Key words: HIV-related fatigue, demographic variables, illness-related variables