A Path Analysis on Quality of Life of People With HIV: Validation and Refinement of the Self-Regulatory HIV/AIDS Symptom Management Model

Abstract This study explored the path affecting the quality of life (QOL) of people with HIV in China and clarified the applicability and interpretability of the Self-Regulatory HIV/AIDS Symptom Management Model. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in nine regions of China and collected information about demographics, symptom experience, social support, perceived symptom manageability, self-efficacy, and QOL. A total of 711 patients participated in this survey. After four rounds of path analysis were conducted, the most fit indices met the standards (χ 2 /df = 2.633, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.081, Goodness-of-Fit Index/Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index/Comparative Fit Index/Incremental Fit Index/Tucker–Lewis Coefficient > 0.9), and the relationships between variables were statistically significant ( p < .05). Among all the pathways, social support had the most significant impact on the QOL, with a total path coefficient of 0.665. Symptom experience, as a negative factor, had a total effect value of −0.361. This study showed how all the factors influencing QOL were interconnected, serving as a crucial theoretical foundation for intervention strategies in future clinical practice.