OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of the variables network of relationships, neuroticism, and coping strategies on life satisfaction of HIV positive youths, and to present a descriptive profile of the sample for the studied variables. METHODS: Forty-five HIV positive youths from three health care centers located in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, whose mean age was 18.7 years (standard deviation = 2.7), participated in this study. The following assessment instruments were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale for Adolescents, the Network of Relationships Inventory, the Coping Strategies Inventory and the Neuroticism Factorial Scale. Data obtained with these instruments were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance and covariance and linear multiple regression. RESULTS: Young HIV carriers present high life satisfaction, although there is a decrease in satisfaction with friendships. As far as coping strategies are concerned, the means between coping strategies were similar. High levels of neuroticism were evidenced in the sample, especially in terms of depression, which was the best predictor of global life satisfaction for the sample. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to identify the main difficulties of this group of HIV carriers, and, based on these findings, it will be possible to develop effective intervention programs.
HIV; quality of life; stress; personality; interpersonal relationships; adolescents
