Gender, Age, Marital Status and Quality of Life in a Sample of HIV Clinic Attendees in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution

Abstract

Quality of life has to do with the extent to which a person sees himself or herself as being healthy, comfortable and has the ability to enjoy or take part in life events. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks immune cells called CD4 cells. When HIV targets and infiltrates these cells, it reduces the body’s ability to combat other diseases. As HIV disease progresses the quality of life of the individual worsens. This study looked at the relationship between age, sex, marital status and Quality of life among 480 HIV/AIDS clinic attendees in a Nigerian tertiary health institution using the WHO-QOL BREF. 31.9%; 34.8% and 33.3% respectively had high, moderate and low quality of life respectively. The relationship between quality of life and gender was significant. Discussion of the result was based on literature reviewed and recommendations to guide policy formulation were proffered.