Impact of Non-Communicable Diseases on The Quality of Life of HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Fako Division

Abstract

Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have reached epidemic proportion among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and this could have a negative bearing on the quality of life and survival of these patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of NCDs on the perceived quality of life (QoL) of HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey conducted in the months of June to August 2021. The WHOQoL Bref instrument was used to measure the quality of life of these patients. A total of 1440 HIV patients were sample from 5 HTCs selected purposively (high number of patients receiving treatment in these Centers). A serial or consecutive sampling technique was used to recruit participants in the HTCs. All the 4 domains of QoL (Physical, Psychological, social and environmental) were assessed. Data was entered in SPSS 25 and analyzed using stata 13. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent determinants. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 45.6 (SD = 7.3) years. Overall, only 45.4% [95% CI: 42.3-47.9] of HIV patients had a good quality of life. The environmental (30.4%) and psychological (32.3%) domains of quality of life were lowest. Female gender (AOR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03-1.74), tertiary education (AOR 4.69; 95% CI 2.78-7.69), being employed (AOR 2.30; 95% CI 1.21-3.64), being married (AOR 1.67; 95% CI 1.23-2.19), baseline WHO HIV stages III and IV (AOR 0.56; 95% CI 0.29-0.89) and duration of HIV patient on ART for more than 10 years (AOR 0.34; 95% CI 0.25-0.47) were significantly associated to good quality of life among HIV patients on ART. Adult HIV patients with NCD co-morbidity were 0.50 times less likely to have a good quality of life compared to their counterparts without a NCD [AOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.32-0.89]. Conclusion: The quality of life of HIV patients on ART was significantly reduced by NCD co-morbidities. Recommendation: HTCs in Fako should routinely and actively screen and manage NCDs improve on the QoL of HIV patients on ART.