Quality of life in HIV/AIDS patients: A cross-sectional study in south India

Abstract

With developing countries on the wave of a HIV epidemic, issues like quality of life (QOL) have come to fore. We aimed to assess the quality of life in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients at antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic in a tertiary healthcare centre in South India. The study was conducted on 60 HIV/AIDS patients attending ART clinic at a tertiary health hospital, Chennai, South India. QOL was evaluated using the WHO QOL-BREF (Field trial version) instrument using 26 items grouped under 4 domains, namely physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environment on 60 HIV/AIDS patients. Standard error of the difference between means was employed to find out significant difference between domain scores and clinical categories. QOL scores were highest for environmental domain which is 46.19 (0-100 scale). QOL scores were significantly lower among persons with lower CD4 counts (<i> P </i> < 0.001). Women had lower QOL scores than men despite having less advanced disease. Patients with better educational background had significantly higher psychological domain scores. Also, a supportive family kept environmental domain scores better (<i> P</i> < 0.001). A need for good healthcare support system was perceived. Better education helps the patient to cope with the disease well. Family support is essential for healthier environment.