Predictors of quality of life of TB/HIV co-infected patients in the Northern region of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) co-morbidity continues to be a serious worldwide health issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies on the quality of life (QOL) of TB/HIV co-infected patients guide stakeholders on the delivery of patient-centred healthcare. This study evaluated QOL of TB/HIV co-infected individuals and its contributing factors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among TB/HIV co-infected patients, receiving treatment at clinics in the Northern Region of Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 213 patients from 32 clinics. We gathered information on patients' QOL using the World Health Organization QOL-HIV BREF assessment tool. At a 5% level of significance, multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to find correlates of QOL among the patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was (38.99 ± 14.00) years with most, 33.3% (71/213) aged 30-39 years. Males constituted 54.9% (117/213). About 30.0% (64/213) of the patients reported a good QOL. Being employed (aOR = 5.23, 95% CI: 1.87 - 14.60), and adhering to treatment (aOR = 6.36, 95% CI: 1.51 - 26.65) were significantly associated with a good QOL. Being depressed (aOR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.29), stigmatized (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI : 0.11 - 0.84), and not exercising (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12 - 0.67) were negatively associated with a good QOL. CONCLUSION: Less than one-third of TB/HIV co-infected patients in the region have good QOL. To guarantee good QOL, modifiable predictors such as patients' physical activity and medication adherence should be targeted by the National AIDS and TB Control Programs.

Evaluation of a peer intervention project in the hospital setting to improve the health-related quality of life of recently diagnosed people with HIV infection.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the impact of a peer intervention programme in the hospital setting to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people recently diagnosed with HIV infection. METHODS: A quasi-experimental single-group study with pre- and post-measurements was conducted. The peer intervention programme consisted of four sessions that took place at the following times: (1) the day of diagnosis, (2) the day when the results of the analyses were collected and ART (antiretroviral therapy) began, (3) one month after the start of ART, and (4) four months after the start of ART. The dependent variables were HRQoL and several of its psychological predictors. Change in the dependent variables was analysed through repeated measures, variance analysis and covariance analysis. Forty-three people with HIV participated in the intervention (40 men, mean age = 39.14). RESULTS: A significant positive evolution was found in all the predictors of HRQoL, except avoidant coping (p < .05). A positive evolution was also found in all HRQoL dimensions (p < .05). There was a significant increase in CD4 cells/mm3 lymphocytes (p < .0001) and in the CD4/CD8 ratio (p < .001). The positive differential scores in the psychological health and social relationship dimensions influenced the increase in CD4 cells/mm3 lymphocytes (p = .012, p = .13). The increase in the social relations dimension score and overall health perception influenced the recovery of the CD4/CD8 ratio (p = .044; p = .068). CONCLUSIONS: Peer intervention improved the HRQoL of people recently diagnosed with HIV, and enhanced psychological health and social relationships covariate with their immunological recovery. This study represents an essential advance in evaluating peer intervention programmes for positive prevention.

Validation of Kiswahili version of WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire among people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania- a cross sectional study.

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) has developed HIV specific quality of life tool called World Health Organization Quality of Life brief questionnaire in HIV population (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) for assessing the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Despite its sound validity and reliability from several studies, the developers recommend it to be validated in different cultures to assess its psychometric properties before its adoption. The study aimed at evaluating the validity and reliability of the Kiswahili version of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire in Tanzania among people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: a cross-sectional study with 103 participants recruited via systematic random sampling. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. Validity of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF was assessed through analysis of construct, concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity. The model performance was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: the mean age of the participants was 40.5 ± 9.702 years. The internal consistency of the items of the Kiswahili version of WHOQOL-HIV BREF shows Cronbach's alpha values of 0.89-0.90 (p < 0.001). Analysis of test-retest reliability showed a statistically significant Intra-class correlation (ICC) of 0.91 - 0.92 (p < 0.001). The spiritual and physical domains were highly discriminated from the rest of the domains (Psychological, Environmental, Social and Independent domain). Conclusion: Kiswahili WHOQOL-HIV BREF tool was found to have good validity and reliability among Tanzanian people living with HIV/AIDS. These findings provide support for the use of this tool in assessing the quality of life in Tanzania.

Factors affecting health-related quality of life of HIV-infected key population in Myanmar.

This cross-sectional study examined factors affecting Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among 273 HIV-infected key populations. This included, men who have sex with men (MSM), people, who inject drugs (PWID), and sex workers (SW), who were currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Myanmar. Participants were recruited from four non-government clinics in four main cities. Overall HRQoL score derived from the WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire was 86.08 ± 10.78. The lowest score was found in the environment domain (13.64 ± 2.06), while the highest score was found in the spirituality domain (15.54 ± 3.04). According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, participants, reported having an adequate income (OR = 3.32, P = 0.006), regularly taking meditation (OR = 3.79, P = 0.009), living in Tachileik (OR = 15.43, P = 0.011), and reported having no symptoms during previous 2 weeks (OR = 14.50, P < 0.001), were more likely to have good HRQoL level. In contrast, patients receiving ART < 1 year (OR = 0.163, P = 0.028) reported having low ART adherence (OR = 0.17, P = 0.018) and reported anticipated stigma (OR = 0.23, P < 0.001) and internalized stigma (OR = 0.29, P = 0.006) were less likely to have good HRQoL level.

Cross-sectional investigation of gender differences in health-related quality of life among HIV patients: implications for gender mainstreaming in HIV management.

INTRODUCTION: health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can be affected by the existence of long-term medical conditions. This study compared the HRQoL of male and female patients living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who sought care at the antiretroviral clinic in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: a comparative cross-sectional study with 512 female and 512 male HIV outpatients receiving care at the antiretroviral clinic in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. The WHOQoL-HIV-BREF which conceptualized HRQoL as a function of six factors - physical, psychological, social, environment, independence and spiritual health was administered. The gender difference in HRQOL was determined by the independent sample t-test, mean difference and standardized mean difference in items and domain scores. Meta-analytic approach was used to deduce the overall potential effect of gender on HIV infection. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to control for potential confounders of HRQoL among the study participants. RESULTS: the mean age of the sampled population was 35.9 ± 11.8 years for the male and 35.3 ± 9.8 years for the female category. Male HIV patients reported significantly higher mean HRQoL scores across all domains of the scale except the spiritual domain. The 4.51% (95% CI of 3.63 to 5.39%) overall difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Other factors associated with good HRQoL were marriage status, monogamous family type and a higher level of education. CONCLUSION: the significantly lower HRQoL among female HIV patients calls for a multiprong approach towards strengthening gender mainstreaming in the management and control of HIV patients in Nigeria.

Study of quality of life and depression in people living with HIV/AIDS in India.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) and the severity of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and investigate its correlates. This was a cross-sectional study on 700 PLWHA in India. World Health Organization QOL HIV (WHOQOL HIV-BREF) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess QOL and depression in PLWHA, respectively. The study population was divided into five groups on the basis of Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) count as follows: Group A [< 50 cells/µL], Group B [50-199 cells/µL], Group C [200-349 cells/µL], Group D [350-499 cells/µL], and Group E [>500 cells/µL]. The lowest mean scores were noted under Group A [< 50 cells/µL] in physical and psychological domains and the highest mean scores were noted under Group E [> 500 cells/µL] in physical and environment domains. PHQ9 scores negatively correlated with QOL domains and the correlation was statistically significant (p < 0.001) with the highest negative correlation was found in relation to the psychological domain (r = -0.739). The PHQ9 score in those who do not have opportunistic illnesses (7.23 ± 6.14) was lower in comparison to those who had opportunistic illnesses (9.81 ± 6.40) and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). We observed that there was almost a chronological increase in the individual QOL domain score and a decrease in the PHQ9 score with an increase in CD4 count. Our result supports the implementation of routine screening for depression in antiretroviral therapy centers and multidisciplinary interventions to improve outcomes among depressed PLWHA.

Assessing the psychometric properties of the French WHOQOL-HIV BREF within the ANRS CO3 Aquitaine Cohort's QuAliV ancillary study.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy has prolonged the lives of those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but the effects of chronic infection on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remain a concern. Numerous instruments have been developed to measure HRQoL, yet evidence of their cross-cultural equivalence and continued applicability is limited. We adapted the WHOQOL-HIV BREF to French and assessed its psychometric properties in a sample of community-dwelling adults living with HIV who were mostly virally suppressed. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study within the ANRS CO3 Aquitaine cohort from July 2018 to May 2019. Five hundred eighty-six participants were consecutively enrolled at their HIV-consultations and completed either a web-based (n = 406) or paper self-administered assessment (n = 180). The means and standard deviations for items and domains were computed and the presence of floor and ceiling effects assessed. We evaluated internal consistency by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients per domain. We assessed construct validity by performing a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity were assessed with Pearson's correlations and known-group validity was assessed according to CD4 cell count, viral load, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clinical categories for HIV, and hospitalization of more than 48 h within 2 years of the most recent consultation using one-way analysis of variance and independent t-tests. RESULTS: Five hundred eighty-six PLWH were included in this analysis. Their median age was 55; 73% were male; 85% were of French descent; 99% were on ART and 93% were virally suppressed. We found floor effects for one and ceiling effects for 11 items. Four of the six domains showed good internal consistency (α range: 0.63-0.79). CFA showed that the WHOQOL-HIV BREF's six-domain structure produced an acceptable fit (SRMR = 0.059; CFI = 0.834; RMSEA = 0.07; 90% CI: 0.06-0.08). It showed good concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity. There was some evidence of known-group validity. The personal beliefs domain had the highest score (15.04 ± 3.35) and the psychological health domain had the lowest (13.70 ± 2.78). CONCLUSIONS: The French WHOQOL-HIV BREF has acceptable measurement properties. Its broad conceptualisation of HRQoL, going beyond physical and mental health, may be of particular value in our older, treatment-experienced and virally suppressed population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03296202 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6zgOBArps ).

Quality of Life People Living with HIV/AIDS and Its Characteristic from a VCT Centre in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: The quality of life (QoL) construct has also contributed to understanding the comprehension of factors involved in the existence of people infected by the HIV/AIDS. The objective of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Wonogiri District, Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2017. Convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 39 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) at Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) of Wonogiri, Indonesia. Research data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire of WHOQOL-HIV BREF. The data were further analysed using a t-test and a Chi-square test, while linear regression was used to evaluate factors that correlate with the PLWHAs' quality of life. RESULTS: The results showed that the gross mean score of social relationships domain is 13.59; psychological domain is 13.31; environment domain is 13.28; spiritual/personal beliefs domainis 13.15; physical domain is 13.10; and level of independence domain is 13.77. The symptom of HIV is associated with quality of life (B = 7.611, ß = 0.362, t = 2,046, p value = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Healthcare provider should increase providerinitiated testing and counselling (PITC) to contracting group, high risk group, susceptible group, and the community. The PLWHA are recommended to actively participate in peer support groups (PSGs) so that they can improve their quality of life.

Propriedades psicométricas do WHOQOL-HIV Bref para avaliação da qualidade de vida / Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-HIV Bref for quality of life assessment / Propiedades psicométricas del WHOQOL-VIH Bref para evaluación de calidad de vida

Objetivo: Avaliar as propriedades psicométricas do questionário WHOQOL-HIV Bref em pessoas com HIV/AIDS. Método: O instrumento foi aplicado a 226 pessoas com HIV/AIDS do Norte de Minas Gerais. As propriedades psicométricas foram avaliadas pela validade de construto, análise da confiabilidade e validade de critério. Resultados: O modelo com seis domínios apresentou ajustamento aceitável (χ2/gl= 1,77, p <0,001, GFI = 0,85, CFI= 0,89, RMSEA = 0,058 ). O WHOQOL-HIV Bref apresentou correlações estatisticamente significativas entre os seis domínios, consistência interna e reprodutibilidade satisfatórias. Os escores dos domínios demonstraram correlação significativa com o escore da qualidade de vida geral e dos itens que avaliam a autopercepção da qualidade de vida e da saúde, correlação significativa com o resultado global da depressão e diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre subgrupos de pacientes segundo variáveis socioeconômicas e clínicas. Conclusões: O WHOQOL-HIV Bref apresentou-se válido, confiável para medir a qualidade de vida de pessoas com HIV/AIDS. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-HIV Bref questionnaire in people with HIV / AIDS. Method: The questionnaire was applied to 226 people living with HIV/AIDS in the Northern part of the state of Minas Gerais. The psychometric properties were evaluated by construct validity, reliability analysis, and criteria validity. Results: The model with six domains had an acceptable adjustment (χ2 / gl = 1.77, p <0.001, GFI = 0.85, CFI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.058). The WHOQOL-HIV Bref showed statistically significant correlations among the six domains, satisfactory internal consistency and reproducibility. The instrument scores showed a significant correlation with the general quality of life score and the items that assess the self-perception of quality of life and health, a significant correlation with the overall result of depression, and statistically significant differences between subgroups of patients. Conclusions: The WHOQOL-HIV Bref was valid, reliable to measure the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario WHOQOL- HIV Bref en personas con HIV/SIDA. Método: El instrumento fue aplicado a 226 personas con HIV/SIDA del Norte de Minas Gerais. Las propiedades psicométricas fueron evaluadas por validez de constructo, análisis de confiabilidad, y validez de criterio. Resultados: El modelo con seis dominios presentó un ajuste aceptable (χ2 / gl = 1,77, p <0,001, GFI = 0,85, CFI = 0,89, RMSEA = 0,058). El WHOQOL-HIV Bref presentó correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre los seis dominios, consistencia interna, y reproductibilidad satisfactorias. Los resultados de los dominios demostraron correlación significativa con el resultado de calidad de vida general y de los ítems que evalúan la autopercepción de calidad de vida y de la salud, correlación significativa con el resultado global de depresión y diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre subgrupos de pacientes según variables socioeconómicas y clínicas. Conclusiones: El WHOQOL- HIV Bref se presentó como válido y confiable para medir la calidad de vida de personas con HIV/SIDA. (AU)

Assessing quality of life in people with HIV in Spain: psychometric testing of the Spanish version of WHOQOL-HIV-BREF.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) has become crucial to evidence-based practice. The goals of this study are to analyze the psychometric properties and evidence of the validity of the Spanish version of WHOQOL-HIV-BREF in a sample of PLHIV in Spain and to examine the more impaired HRQoL facets and dimensions and identify the PLHIV who show the most vulnerable profile. METHODS: A total of 1462 PLHIV participated in an observational cross-sectional ex-post-facto study. Data were collected at 33 Spanish sites through an online survey. In addition to measuring HRQoL, the study used other tools to measure treatment adherence (CEAT-VIH 2.0 version), psychological well-being (GHQ-12) and HIV-related stigma (HSSS). Cronbach's alpha, first- and second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the Pearson coefficient and one-way ANOVA were used to evaluate reliability, construct validity and concurrent and known-group validity, respectively. Differences according to the socio-demographic and epidemiological profiles of participants were analyzed. RESULTS: First- and second-order CFAs confirmed a six-domain first-order structure of the Spanish version of WHOQOL-HIV-BREF and one second-order factor related to overall HRQoL with an acceptable fit to the data, although some minor changes would improve it. The six-domain structure showed an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ranged from .61 to .81). Significant moderate to large correlations between domains and overall HRQoL, adherence, psychological well-being and negative self-image were found. Significant differences were found according to participants' self-reported CD4+ cell count in several HRQoL facets and domains. Being female, heterosexual, having low socio-economic and educational statuses, having acquired HIV through an unsafe injection and living more years with HIV were related to poorer HRQoL. PLHIV older than 50 presented lower scores in 19 HRQoL facets. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the Spanish version of the WHOQOL-HIV-BREF is a valid instrument. It also presents the most recent data about HRQoL in PLHIV in Spain with the largest sample to date.

Quality of life predictors for people living with HIV/AIDS in an impoverished region of Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Quality of life (QoL) is important for people living with HIV/AIDS, particularly as the disease progresses. This study evaluated the QoL of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), as well as its predictors, in one of the most impoverished regions of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with patients older than 18 years with HIV/AIDS from two specialized HIV/AIDS care centers in the city of Montes Claros between 2013 and 2014. Sample size was calculated considering the estimates of mean scores for various dimensions of the European Portuguese version of the World Health's Organization Quality of Life Instrument in HIV Infection (WHOQOL-HIV Bref). The following parameters were adopted: CI of 95%, estimated mean scores for QoL equal to 15, estimated variance for QoL scores equal to 16, and 5% relative margin of error. An increase of 20% was established to compensate for possible non-responses or losses, and correcting any design effect, adopting a deff equal to 2.0. Calculations revealed the need to interview at least 221 patients. Therefore, 226 patients living with HIV/AIDS were randomly selected. RESULTS: A total of 226 patients with mean age 43.7 years were evaluated: 51.8% men, 51.8% unemployed, 51.8% with low schooling level, 89.8% used antiretrovirals, and 43.3% experienced depression. Despite this, data indicated that 65% self-assessed their QoL as good and very good. Low QoL was associated with sociodemographic variables and some clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Depression was the main predictor of low QoL in all domains evaluated.

HIV-Related Self-Stigma and Health-Related Quality of Life of People Living With HIV in Finland.

We examined how HIV-related self-stigma was associated with different domains of quality of life (QoL), as measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life in HIV-infected persons instrument (WHOQOL-HIV-Bref), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as measured by the generic 15D (15-dimensional measure of HRQoL), to identify the factors associated with self-stigma of people living with HIV (PLWH). The study sample included 440 patients living with HIV followed at the Infectious Disease Clinic of Helsinki University Hospital. Participants with more severe self-stigma reported significantly lower QoL and HRQoL. Male gender, cohabiting with a partner, and disclosure of HIV status were associated with less self-stigma; high education level and financial difficulties were associated with greater self-stigma. Having lived longer with HIV, being unemployed, and living alone were also predictors of self-stigma via financial difficulties. The findings suggest that self-stigma is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that impacts the HRQoL of PLWH. Psychosocial interventions to enhance the well-being of PLWH are increasingly needed.

Health related quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy at a university referral hospital in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy improves the longevity of patients living with HIV/AIDS. We conducted the study in order to assess health related quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients and the association of socio-demographic and disease related variables with health related quality of life. METHODS: Health facility based cross-sectional study among 400 HIV/AIDS patients taking highly active anti-retroviral therapy from Gondar University referral hospital was conducted. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, which was adopted from World Health Organization Quality of life brief instrument, was used. The data were then analyzed using SPSS version 20 software for Windows. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents reported to to have a good physical health (15.55). The World Health Organization clinical stage was found to be significantly associated with all the domains of health related quality of life. The current acute illness condition of the respondents, however, did not show significant association with any of the domains of health related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The six domains of health related quality of life were found to be moderate. The physical health and spirituality of the patients were relatively higher than their social relationship. Sex, age, educational status, residence and marital status showed significant association with at least one domain of health related quality of life.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF to assess quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and infectious disease hospitals in three Chinese provinces. PARTICIPANTS: Sample of 1100 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). INTERVENTIONS: We recruited 1100 PLWHA to evaluate their quality of life (QOL) using the WHOQOL-HIV BREF. Of these participants, 57 were randomly selected to repeat the QOL evaluation 2 weeks later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The reliability of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF was assessed in terms of its internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The construct, concurrent, convergent, discriminant and known-group validity were also analysed. In addition, the factorial invariance across genders was assessed. RESULTS: Cronbach's α coefficient for the overall scale was 0.93. Except for the spirituality domain, which had an α below 0.70 (0.66), the other five domains showed adequate internal consistency. The test-retest reliability revealed a statistically significant intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.72-0.82 (p<0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis found that the six-domain structure produced an acceptable fit to the data. The instrument showed factorial invariance across gender groups. All domains were significantly correlated with the general items and the SF-36 (p<0.01). The correlation coefficients were >0.40 (r=0.40-0.67), except for the association between the spirituality domain and two general items (QOL: r=0.33; health status: r=0.36). Subjects with lower CD4 counts had lower scores for all domains (p<0.05). Symptomatic participants had significantly lower scores than asymptomatic participants on the physical, psychological and independence domains (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The WHOQOL-HIV BREF revealed good psychometric characteristics among Chinese PLWHA. These findings offer promising support for the use of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF as a measure of QOL among Chinese PLWHA and in cross-cultural comparative studies on QOL.

Factors associated with the quality of life of people living with HIV in Finland.

In recent years, the concept of quality of life (QoL) has received significant attention in the HIV/AIDS literature. In Finland, however, the factors associated with the QoL of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) still remain unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and HIV-related factors associated with the different domains of QoL of PLWHA in Finland. The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 453 HIV-infected patients (Mean age = 46.5 years; 76.5% male) followed at the Infectious Disease Clinic of Helsinki University Hospital. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire covering sociodemographic and HIV-related information, and the Finnish version of the WHOQOL-HIV-Bref questionnaire. Participants reported rather high scores in the six QoL domains, which ranged between 68.48 (Social relationships) and 78.05 (Environment) on a 0-100 scale. Multiple regression analyses revealed that male gender, being married or living in a partnered relationship, being employed, having fewer financial concerns, and not having depression and other medical comorbidities were the main factors positively and consistently associated with higher scores in the different domains of the QoL. HIV-related variables were not significantly associated with QoL ratings. Sociodemographic factors were independently associated with the QoL of PLWHA in Finland. Psychosocial support should reflect these factors in order to improve the health status and well-being of PLWHA.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life among People Living with HIV in Coastal South India.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased life expectancy of HIV/AIDS patients, but the quality of life (QOL) still remains the same. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 356 people living with HIV (PLHIV) were interviewed to assess their QOL using WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire. The association between QOL with sociodemographic, clinical and cohabitation status of the participants was tested using ANOVA and Student t-test, and p value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Physical domain of QOL showed maximum score of 16.4, while a minimum score of 12.2 was seen in social relationship domain. Participants with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and self-motivated to take ART had shown better scores across all the domains of QOL ( p < .05). CONCLUSION: In our study, quality of life was high among males, younger patients, married participants, higher socioeconomic status, longer duration of ART, self-motivation to take ART, absence of opportunistic infection, and with higher CD4 count.

Health-related quality of life of patients on antiretroviral treatment in Botswana: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) affords longevity to patients infected with the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). Since little is known about the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of persons who have been on ART for at least five years, the present study investigated the HRQoL of these patients in Botswana. METHOD: Medical records, structured interviews, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-HIV-BREF) instrument were employed to obtain information from 456 respondents. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that respondents' highest scores were in the "physical" domain (mean = 15.8, SD = 3.5), while the lowest scores were in the "environment" domain (mean = 12.9, SD = 2.5). Thus, the physical domain had the greatest impact on patients' overall HRQoL. Self-education about HIV-related issues was significantly correlated with all domains of HRQoL scores: physical (ρ = -2.32, CI 95% = -3.02, -1.61); psychological (ρ = -2.26, CI 95% = -2.87, -1.65); independence (ρ = -1.81, CI 95% = -2.54, -1.06); social relationships (ρ = -1.40, CI 95% = -2.13, -0.67); environment (ρ = -1.58, CI 95% = -2.13, -1.04); and spirituality (ρ = -1.70, CI 95% = -82.27, -1.13). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: HRQoL assessments can identify and address patients' needs, and it is important that guidelines be developed that will yield improved care to ART patients in Botswana.

Calidad de Vida en el Paciente con VIH en el Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital Central-Instituto de Previsión Social Paraguay-2015

RESUMEN Introducción: El VIH es una enfermedad que afecta el sistema inmunitario y lo destruye gradualmente, provocando de esta forma que para el cuerpo sea más difícil combatir infecciones, lo cual facilita que la persona pueda tener SIDA (síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida). Objetivo: Valorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con VIH que acudieron al Pronasida dependencia del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, durante el periodo comprendido de Julio del 2014 a Octubre del 2014. Metodología: Observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo de corte transversal, en Pacientes que acudieron a Pronasida dependencia del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social. Resultados: Referente al sexo se observó una predominancia del sexo masculino en 175 pacientes (53%), la edad predomina el rango de 9 a 39 en 140 pacientes (43%), eran solteros 172 casos (52%), 228 de ellos manifestaron haber terminado solo la secundaria, representado el 59%), se sienten completamente aceptados representando el (37%) de los encuestados, en cuanto a los sentimientos de discriminación en donde a 156 (47%) pacientes les molesta demasiado que lo culpen por su enfermedad, donde también se puede ver una similitud en cuanto a sentimientos por parte de los pacientes. Los valores de calidad de vida se han dado con relación a los dominios en un rango de 66 y 79 con una calificación intermedia a buena. Conclusión: La calidad de vida en cuanto a las medias y desviación estándar de los dominios de CV del WHOQOL-HIV BREF, presentaron puntajes en un rango entre 66 y 79 puntos en las seis dimensiones en donde los pacientes presentaron buenos resultados en especial en lo físico. Referente al sexo se observó una predominancia del sexo masculino, referente a la edad una predominancia del rango de 29 a 39 años, solteros en su mayoría y la procedencia de asunción. Con relación a las asistencias recibidas de necesidades médicas y psicológicas, han manifestado mucha necesidad de tratamiento médico para funcionar normalmente día a día en su mayor parte. Sobre la percepción de la salud en general, con relación a considerarse una persona enferma la mayoría ha manifestado que sí. La interacción social de los pacientes a través de la satisfacción en cuanto a las relaciones personales ha revelado que se sienten contentos en su mayoría. Los resultados en cuanto a la relación médico-paciente revelaron que en el mayor porcentaje de los casos mencionaron estar siempre contentos con el acceso al sistema de salud.

ABSTRACT Introduction: HIV is a disease that affects the immune system and gradually destroys; thereby causing the body that is harder to fight infections, which facilitates the person may have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Objective: To assess the quality of life of patients with HIV who attended the PRONASIDA under the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, during the period from July 2014 to October 2014. Methodology: Observational, retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional, in patients attending PRONASIDA under the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. Results: Regarding sex predominance of males in 175 patients (53%) was observed, age dominates the range of 29 to 39 in 140 patients (43%) were single 172 cases (52%), 228 of them expressed have finished only high school, I represented (59%) feel fully accepted representing (37%) of respondents, as to the feelings of discrimination in which 156 (47%) patients are bothered too much blame him for his illness, where you can also see a similarity in terms of feelings by patients. The values of quality of life have been given regarding the domains in a range of 66 and 79 with an intermediate rating to good. Conclusion: The quality of life in terms of the mean and standard deviation of QoL domains of WHOQOL-HIV BREF, presented scores range between 66 and 79 points in the six dimensions where patients had good results especially in physical. About sex male predominance concerning a predominance of the age range 29 to 39 years, mostly singles and origin of assumption was observed. With regard to assistance received medical and psychological needs, they have expressed much need of medical treatment to function normally day to day mostly. On the perception of general health, in relation to a sick person considered most she said yes. The social interaction of patients through satisfaction with personal relationships has revealed that they are happy mostly. The results regarding the doctor-patient relationship revealed that the highest percentage of cases mentioned always happy with access to the health system.

An evaluation of quality of life among Cambodian adults living with HIV/AIDS and using antiretroviral therapy: a short report.

The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) and analyze its determinants among Cambodian adults living with HIV/AIDS who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling to select 150 adults 18 years of age or older from the patient population at the HIV/AIDS care hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life HIV BREF; socio-demographic characteristics, time elapsed since HIV diagnosis, months on ART, CD4 cell count, family and community support, depression, and anxiety were included in the survey. Results of the multiple regression analysis indicate that positive predictors of QOL included being female, being less 40 years old, having a household monthly income greater than 300 USD, having an education beyond the secondary level, or being employed. However, time elapsed since HIV diagnosis and duration of ART were not significantly associated with QOL and CD4 cell count and the World Health Organization clinical stage had little association with QOL. Perceiving oneself as healthy and happy and reporting no depression or anxiety were associated with a positive QOL. These findings suggest the importance of group-specific interventions to improve the QOL for those people living with HIV/AIDS in Cambodia who are male, have a low household income or education level, are unemployed, or are anxious or depressed.

Application of the WHOQOL-HIV-BREF Questionnaire in HIV-Infected Thai Patients: Reliability and Validity of the Instrument.

Given the prolonged survival of HIV-infected individuals as a result of widespread availability of treatment, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) becomes a relevant endpoint for assessing the impacts of HIV interventions. We examined the reliability and validity of the World Health Organization Quality of Life in HIV-infected Persons instrument (WHOQOL-HIV-BREF) using data from 329 HIV-infected Thai patients who received outpatient care at seven public hospitals. Our findings revealed acceptable reliability, construct validity, and convergent validity of the WHOQOL-HIV-BREF. No significant difference in HRQOL was found between groups with different CD4+ T cell counts. Conversely, the subgroup with a history of opportunistic infection appeared to have a higher HRQOL compared to those in the latency stage. Challenges to the interpretation of the questions related to culture are discussed. In conclusion, the WHOQOL-HIV-BREF can be added to the limited list of instruments for comprehensive outcome evaluation of HIV interventions in Thailand.