An Assessment of Quality of Life in HIV/AIDS Patients – A Cross-Sectional Study in School Of Tropical Medicine of Kolkata:

Abstract

Background \nHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic infection that affects QOL primarily. QOL of PLHIV has turned important after the spike in availability of ARV drugs.This study assessed QOL of PLHIV in Kolkata where the main transmission route of HIV/AIDS is sexual transmission, and explore the associated factors affecting the QOL. \nMaterials and Methods \nWHOQOL- HIV BREF questionnaire in English and vernaculars was used which is a 31-item multiple-choice questionnaire. Study population of 150 patients underwent interview for 20 minutes. Socio-demographic and clinical parameters were recorded accordingly. \nResults \nMean QOL domains score was maximum for environmental domain followed by physical, psychological, social relationship & spirituality domains. \xa0Patients on ART >10 years have shown better QOL mean scores. Significant association was found between CD4 count of the participants and various domains of QOL. \nConclusion \nART was found to be the first strongest factor affecting the QOL of PLHIV. Data analysis showed a significant correlation between CD4 levels and the QOL of all domains. The QOL scores were higher among females, younger age, participants with higher socioeconomic status, higher level of education, longer duration of ART and with higher CD4 count.