Assessment of quality of life among human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired immuno deficiency syndrome patients: A study at antiretroviral therapy center at Malda, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: With availability of free of cost antiretroviral therapy (ART) in India, longevity of the disease has improved. However, owing to lifelong treatment, opportunistic infections and ultimate fatal outcome and quality of life (QOL) of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients have emerged as a significant medical outcome measure in recent times. Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the QOL and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients attending Malda Medical College ART Center in Malda, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2017 among 155 patients ≥18 years, attending the ART Center of Malda Medical college. Participants were interviewed using a validated Bengali version of the World Health Organization QOL (WHO-QOL BREF). Median scores were calculated in each domain. Mann–Whitney U-test was used to find associated factors. Results: Majority of the patients perceived their QOL and health as good. Median scores of QOL of patients were maximum in physical (69 [25]) and environmental (63 [19]) domains; minimum in psychological (56 [19]) and social (56 [31]) domains. Current illness significantly affected physical and social domains. Current unemployment significantly affected physical and psychological domains. Married persons had significantly higher scores in social domain. Lesser age and lower socioeconomic status had significantly lower QOL in the environmental domain. Conclusion: The present findings highlight the need for suitable employment opportunities for HIV-infected persons to improve social health. Enhanced sociopsychological supports such as social sensitization, mental health care of patients, and interventions to reduce stigma should be done.