Validation and Refinement of the Self-Regulatory HIV/AIDS Symptom Management Model Among People With HIV in China Using Path Analysis: A Secondary Data Analysis

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.