Understanding the Health-related Quality of Life of People Living with HIV Based on Sexual Orientation

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has detrimental impacts on the lives of different population groups living with HIV, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, this study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life of men living with HIV with different sexual orientations and to determine the dominant influential factors. This cross-sectional study involved 206 men living with HIV. They were recruited from the Sriwijaya Plus Foundation and a medical facility that provided antiretroviral therapy. The data were analyzed using Chi-square and binomial logistic regression. The analysis showed that the percentage of MSM patients was greater than that of non-MSM patients, accounting for 68.9% of the total population. The multivariate logistic regression revealed that the most dominant influential factor was depression status (PR = 5.417; 95% CI = 2.473–11.876), with the majority of the depressed patients being 5.417 times more at risk of a lower quality of life compared to others. These findings suggest that depression can lead to a low quality of life among HIV patients.

Lived experience, social support, and challenges to health service use during the COVID-19 pandemic among HIV key populations in Indonesia

“…As reported by study participants, such prohibitions could result in personal stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression further triggered by loss of connectedness to others and uncertainty as to the future. Before the pandemic, HIV key populations in Indonesia were found to be highly vulnerable to mental health problems associated with their HIV status [ 17 ], frequent lack of a social support system [ 18 ] poor quality of life [ 19 ] and the effects of both enacted [ 21 ] and internalized stigma related to societal disapproval of their sexual behavior and/or gender identity [ 20 ]. The impact of COVID-19 on their life could further exacerbate these existing mental health challenges [ 21 ], worsen mental health outcomes[ 22 ], and increase their vulnerability to mental illness [ 23 ].…”

“…Before the pandemic, HIV key populations in Indonesia were found to be highly vulnerable to mental health problems associated with their HIV status [ 17 ], frequent lack of a social support system [ 18 ] poor quality of life [ 19 ] and the effects of both enacted [ 21 ] and internalized stigma related to societal disapproval of their sexual behavior and/or gender identity [ 20 ]. The impact of COVID-19 on their life could further exacerbate these existing mental health challenges [ 21 ], worsen mental health outcomes[ 22 ], and increase their vulnerability to mental illness [ 23 ]. Coping with the pandemic’s challenges also could motivate detrimental health practices such as increased smoking behavior, unhealthy eating habits, and adoption or increase in illicit drug use.…”

Can thiệp tăng cường tuân thủ điều trị ARV và nâng cao chất lượng cuộc sống của nhóm nam quan hệ tình dục đồng giới

“…6 Trong năm đầu tiên điều trị ARV, nhóm MSM gặp rất nhiều thách thức liên quan đến việc điều trị như: thiếu kỹ năng tuân thủ điều trị, thiếu thông tin, kiến thức, lo ngại tác dụng phụ của thuốc, thay đổi thói quen hàng ngày, không muốn bị nhắc nhở về tình trạng nhiễm HIV, hay gặp những rối loạn về sức khỏe tinh thần như lo âu, trầm cảm, và có chất lượng cuộc sống thấp. 7 Tuân thủ điều trị ARV không những mang lại những cải thiện kết quả lâm sàng mà còn nâng cao chất lượng cuộc sống của người nhiễm HIV trong trong năm điều trị đầu tiên. 8 Do đó, chất lượng cuộc sống là chỉ số quan trọng, cần được áp dụng rộng rãi trong việc đánh giá tác động của các can thiệp liên quan đến HIV trong các nhóm nguy cơ.…”