Benue State University, Makurdi

FACTORS INFLUENCING MATERNAL PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT AMONG HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Lydia Titilayo Dada, Joel Afolayan, Olayinka Onasoga and Faith Jesupemi Olaitan
(Department of Psychology, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria +2347062663826, uchoaondoaver@yahoo.com)

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of personal factors as predictors of maternal adjustment of HIV positive mothers in South-West Nigeria. A total of 1653 women in referral centres in the South West Nigeria completed the instruments. Data were collected with the use of questionnaire. Regression analysis revealed that independent variables: age, marital status, socio-economic status, emotional-intelligence and optimism predicted maternal adjustment positively with the exception of religion that predict maternal adjustment negatively. The ANOVA and model summary of regression analysis revealed joint contribution of the six independent variables taken together to have correlated positively with each other and with respondent's psychological adjustment R=0.335. The independent variables explained 11.2% of the total variance observed in the maternal psychological adjustment (R 2 =0.112). Conclusion from the result implies that all the independent variables could influence respondent's maternal adjustment to some extent. Women who are emotionally intelligent and optimistically confident and well experienced in age would cope better in their present circumstances, according to the result of this study. Therefore, it is recommended that the women should be enlightened on emotional intelligence and optimism to enhance better adjustment to their situations. Adequate support from significant others is also germane to their effective psychological adjustment. Implications for maternal psychological adjustment with HIV/AIDS positive status were also discussed.

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