Individual behaviour self-regulation and emotional reactions among patients living with HIV during the second wave of the new coronavirus pandemic in Russia

Abstract

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to adapt to rapidly changing external conditions has increased dramatically. Predictors of successful adaptation can be the degree of development of individual self-regulation and its profile. The emotional state depends on successful adaptation. Objectives The study aimed to examine the individual self-regulation of behaviour and emotional reactions among patients living with HIV in Russia. Methods The data were collected from February to July 2021 using a Google form developed by us. Fifty-nine HIV-positive patients participated in the study. To diagnose the development of individual self-regulation and its profile, we used the Self-Regulation Style Questionnaire, to study depression, anxiety, and stress — DASS-21 adapted for use in Russia. Results We found that 10 % of respondents had a low overall level of self-regulation, 53 % had an average level, and 37 % had a high level. The average individual profile was as follows: predominance of planning (M = 6.24±1.90) over modelling (M = 5.69±1.90), programming (M = 5.93±1.66), and evaluating results (M = 5.78±1.60), which were approximately at the same level. Flexibility (M = 6.58±1.90) and autonomy (M = 5.56±2.08) scores were in the average normal range. Only two correlations were found: modelling was negatively associated with depression (rxy = -0.336, p < 0.01) and anxiety (rxy = -0.275, p < 0.05). Conclusions Awareness and adequacy of perceptions of changes in external and internal significant conditions contribute to a favourable emotional status among people living with HIV. Disclosure of Interest None Declared