Influence of Employment on Quality of Life Outcomes Among People with HIV/AIDS in Rural Appalachia

Abstract

The development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has shifted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) from an acute to a chronic condition. Due to reduced fatality, approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are faced with increased longevity in conjunction with functional consequences associated with chronic disability. Employment has been associated with increased treatment adherence, quality of life (QoL), and mental and physical health for people living with HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between employment status and QoL for PLWHA. Participants included 115 patients receiving services from two Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) clinics in a rural Mid Atlantic Appalachian region of the U.S. Findings revealed statistically significant differences in employment status on six domains of the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life scale for PLWHA (WHOQOL-HIV-Bref), except for spirituality/religion/personal beliefs. Implications for practice and research are discussed.