Determinants of health-related quality of life in HIV-infected patients

Abstract

In the era of new antiretroviral treatments that have dramatically reduced both morbidity and mortality, a primary goal is to maximize function and wellbeing in the everyday life of HIV-infected patients. To be able to do so, it would be important for clinicians and policy makers to identify factors that influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this multicentre prospective cohort study was to identify determinants of HRQoL in a cohort of Italian HIV-infected patients, the majority of whom were taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). A total of 809 patients were enrolled. The MOS-HIV Health Survey (summarized using two scores, physical health (PHS) and mental health (MHS)), and an HIV-related symptom scale were administered at enrolment and six months later. At baseline, low CD4+ cell count, hospitalization during the three months before the enrollment and symptoms were independently related to poor PHS; hospitalization during the three months before the enrollment, symptoms and poor satisfaction with information from providers were independently related to MHS. Predictors of PHS at six months included the stage of HIV infection, baseline CD4+ cells count, PHS and symptom score; while age, baseline MHS, symptom score and education predicted six-month MHS. Among these factors, symptoms, recent hospitalization and satisfaction with information are most amenable to clinical intervention.

Assessing Quality of Life and Depression Among People Living With HIV/AIDS and TB-HIV Coinfection in Kathmandu, Nepal

“…Likewise, Subjects with higher education reported better QoL in the independence and environment domains. 21 In this study marital status had no influence on the quality of life domains but marital status influences quality of life; Subjects who are married or in relationship reported a higher level of QoL for the social relationships domain. Those in relationships may enjoy better social support.…”

Gender and Age Differences in Quality of Life and the Impact of Psychopathological Symptoms Among HIV-Infected Patients

“…Some studies, however, have not reported significant associations between CD4? T cell count and any QoL dimensions [21,39,40].…”

A pilot to investigate the use of the icf in documenting levels of function and disability in people living with hiv

“…The virus has many and complex effects on the body and can be expected to have a marked impact on the functioning of individuals in everyday life (Heaton et al, 2004). The health related quality of life (HRQoL) of people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa (Hughes et al, 2004) and elsewhere (Murri et al, 2003) has been documented and found to be severely compromised in terms of mobility, pain, anxiety and depression and in the ability to maintain usual activities. In addition people living with HIV/AIDS rate their own health state as being significantly lower than reference groups.…”