Comprehensive assessment of quality of life in PLHIV using WHOQOL-HIV-Bref: a study in northeastern Brazil.

Abstract

Quality of life is evaluated through various factors and the individual's self-perception. In this context, considering the multifactorial nature of well-being in people living with HIV, the World Health Organization developed the WHOQOL-HIV-Bref questionnaire. This study aims to assess the quality of life of PLHIV using the WHOQOL-HIV-Bref questionnaire. A descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in Olinda, Pernambuco, from October to December 2023, using the Portuguese version of the questionnaire. A total of 200 patients, aged 18 years and older, of both sexes, were analyzed. Data processing was performed using SPSS® software through univariate and bivariate analysis. The study demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.924). The majority of participants were men aged 30 to 49 years, single, satisfied with their health, and in an asymptomatic stage of HIV. Regarding the questionnaire, the psychological and social relationship domains showed the highest scores, while the environment and physical domains showed the lowest. The findings highlight critical domains for intervention, providing a framework for developing targeted public health policies to improve the quality of life in PLHIV.