Quality of life among Brazilian women living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess quality of life (QoL) in Brazilian women living with HIV/AIDS, according to the World Health Organization Quality of Life HIV-BREF (WHOQoL-HIV-BREF) domains. A quantitative-based, cross-sectional, analytical study was carried out in healthcare centers specialized in assisting people living with HIV/AIDS, located in a municipality of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. One hundred and six women of age 18 years or more, users of the public healthcare system, participated in the study. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected using a specific questionnaire. Quality of life related variables were collected by means of the WHOQoL-HIV-BREF instrument. As per the QoL domains, study results show that the Spirituality domain reached a standardized mean score of 65.7, followed by the Physical (64.7), Psychological (60.6), Social Relationships (59.5), Independence (58.6), and Environment (54.5) domains. Results of the multiple regression analysis indicate that the women's employment or retirement, income greater than the minimum wage, and higher educational level were associated with a higher standardized mean score of QoL. However, recent HIV/AIDS diagnosis and exposure to antiretroviral agents for a period shorter than two years were negatively associated with QoL. It is critical that public policies favor an all-embracing social inclusion of these women, thus promoting better social conditions. Counseling, clinical follow-up immediately after the infection diagnosis, and initiation of antiretroviral treatment are crucial moments in the lives of these individuals.

Qualidade de vida e fatores associados em pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS

“…(10) According to the quality of life domains, the individuals presented good scores in most domains, thereby emphasizing the Psychological (67.9) and Spirituality, religion and personal beliefs (65.7) domains, and worst average scores in the Environment (59.2) and Level of independence (55.1) domains. In Brazilian (3,6) and international (10,11) studies, the Environment and Level of independence domains also had lower scores compared to other quality of life domains.…”

“…Thereby, higher scores were identified among those who have In other research in the area, employment or retirement, income above one minimum wage, and higher levels of education were associated with higher quality of life scores. (3) A study evaluating employability and adherence to antiretroviral therapy showed that employed people were 27% more likely to adhere to antiretroviral therapy than unemployed people. (12) Considering the influence of the use of antiretrovirals, most of the sample had problems with treatment adherence regarding the scheme, doses and schedules.…”

“…(2) In this context, the possibility of a longer life is not directly linked to a good quality of life, because HIV infection also implies changes related to coping with the HIV serostatus, such as the regular use of antiretroviral therapy, self-perception and the clinical stage of the disease, bodily changes, personal income, occupation, victimization due to discrimination and prejudice, lack of social support, and depressive symptoms. (3)(4)(5) As a broad World Health Organization (WHO) concept, quality of life is the individuals' perception of their position in life, in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. (6) It is a comprehensive evaluation of the individuals' perceptions of a number of domains.…”

Epidemiological overview of HIV/AIDS in pregnant women from a state of northeastern Brazil

“…Similar results are seen in Latin American countries, which occupy the 4th place in number of cases; while the Western Europe and North American countries are in the last position. Therefore, this overview is related to the social and economic situation of these populations, since the Latin American countries are considered underprivileged (39) . According to an epidemiological survey of the State Secretariat of Health of Alagoas, in 2012, the municipalities: Coqueiro Seco, Flexeiras and Joaquim Gomes showed higher rates of pregnant women with HIV/AIDS than the capital city Maceió (40) .…”

An evaluation of quality of life among Cambodian adults living with HIV/AIDS and using antiretroviral therapy: a short report

“…QOL assessment for PLHA on ART is important for monitoring the disease's impact and infection progression (Reis, Santos, & Gir, 2012). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), QOL should be evaluated in terms of an individual's culture and value systems (The WHO-QOL Group, 1998).…”