Prevalence of psychological distress and quality of life among people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome at tertiary health-care center in coastal Karnataka, institutional-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: With increase in cases of HIV, in addition to the direct effect of HIV, the social stigma causes psychological distress in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). With improvements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV has become a chronic disease, which increases the incidence of other psychiatric comorbidities. Objectives: To assess the predisposing factors causing psychological distress and to assess the quality of life (QOL) in people living with HIV. Materials and Methods: A total of 380 patients who visited ART center in a Coastal Karnataka tertiary health-care center were included in this study. They were given questionnaires, which included World Health Organization-QOL-Bref, HAM-Depression, MOS-social support survey, perceived stress scale (PSS), and substance abuse. Result: Out of 380, the prevalence of psychological distress in patients with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was 30.5%. The mean of the total QOL scores was 78. Prevalence of poor QOL in patients with HIV/AIDS was 1.58%. About 5.8% were mild or moderately depressed. Only 0.5% were found to be with severe depression. There was no statistically significant substance abuse among PLWHA. Conclusion: PLWHA who were in the age group of 30–60 years, illiterate, those with history of alcohol abuse, and having lower QOL scores and high scores in PSS had increased odds of psychological distress. Thus, concerned medical fraternity should collaborate on integrating HIV/AIDS treatment services with mental health services. Future interventions are needed to improve the level of social support and psychological support to the people living with chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS.