Revisiting “Do People Living with HIV/AIDS Have Better Quality of Life” – Findings from a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is a challenging disease affecting multiple facets of life. From being a communicable disease alone, it is now posing mental health problems and adjustment disorders as the longevity of HIV/AIDS patients is increasing. In the present study, the quality of life (QOL) among HIV patients was studied, in physical, psychological, environmental, and social domains using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Methodology: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted to assess QOL among 140 randomly selected HIV/AIDS patients attending an antiretroviral therapy (ART) center. The WHO QOL BREF questionnaire was used as a tool for collecting data. Results: The overall QOL among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) was 14.29 (±1.9), with the highest mean score in social domain with a mean of 15.42 (±2.73) and the lowest in physical domain with a mean of 14.01 (±2.73). A statistically significant association was found between age, gender, place of residence, disclosure status, and overall QOL. PLWHA with high CD4 count and patients on ART had better QOL. Conclusion: Overall QOL in PLWHAs is comparable with other countries, indicating the success of National AIDS Control Programme. Few aspects, if incorporated, can increase further improve QOL among HIV patients.