The effect of psychodrama on people living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Aim: To help people living with HIV/AIDS gain better insight, overcome the intensity of negative feelings, better cope with problems and prejudices; and to evaluate the efficacy of psychodrama in increasing the quality of life. Methods: The study included seven people living with HIV/AIDS. To evaluate the efficacy of psychodrama, focus group interviews were carried out and the SF-36 scale was used. Focus group interviews were evaluated using the descriptive analysis method, Wilcoxon test was used for the comparison of the means of scores, and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. Results: The results showed that the participants had become more courageous in declaring their diagnoses, communicating more openly and effectively, having a better acceptance about the diagnosis. The results also showed a decrease in the symptoms of depression and the fear of death. The increase in the SF-36 scale was statistically significant only in mental health. Conclusions: The participants showed a significant improvement in the following: insight and awareness, skills of coping with difficulties, and relationships. The improvement in the life quality of participants suggests that psychodrama has a positive effect.