Quality of Life in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of some personal, environmental, social and disease-related factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) on people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). Methods: This study was carried out on PLWH over 18 years of age applying to infectious diseases and clinical microbiology outpatient clinics at eight centers in Turkey. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using General Information Form and Short Form-36 (SF-36) to collect data. Results: 224 PLWH participated in the study. The scores of physical function, bodily pain, general health and physical component score decreased with age. Withdrawal of treatment longer than one month or side effects adversely affected HRQOL. The HRQOL of individuals who felt himself or herself as happy and loved, and had a regular job and a safe sex life were higher. Nutritional and housing problems, chronic diseases, lipodystrophy, and the presence of complications related to HIV infection decreased HRQOL. The feeling of happiness increased physical component score about 8.6-fold while the presence of chronic illness and treatment side effects decreased it about 0.2- and 0.3-fold, respectively. In terms of mental component score, the feeling of happiness and having a safe sex life increased HRQOL about 7.9- and 2.7-fold, respectively, while nutritional problems and the presence of chronic diseases decreased it about 0.3-fold. Conclusions: The physical and mental HRQOL of PLWH can be increased by educating the population about HIV/AIDS and providing adequate social support for PLWH in our country.