Health-related quality of life of patients on antiretroviral treatment in Botswana: A cross-sectional study. Issue 2 (12th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ndubuka, Nnamdi O.; Lim, Hyun J.; Ehlers, Valerie J.; van der Wal, Dirk M.
• Is Part Of: Palliative & supportive care. Volume 15:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 214
• Page End: 222
• Publication Date: 2016-08-12
• Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy, -- Health-related quality of life, -- HRQoL, -- HIV/AIDS, -- WHOQoL–HIV–Bref, -- Botswana; Palliative treatment -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1017/S1478951516000638
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-9515

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) affords longevity to patients infected with the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). Since little is known about the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of persons who have been on ART for at least five years, the present study investigated the HRQoL of these patients in Botswana. Method: Medical records, structured interviews, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQoL–HIV–BREF) instrument were employed to obtain information from 456 respondents. Results: Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that respondents' highest scores were in the "physical" domain (mean = 15.8, SD = 3.5), while the lowest scores were in the "environment" domain (mean = 12.9, SD = 2.5). Thus, the physical domain had the greatest impact on patients' overall HRQoL. Self-education about HIV-related issues was significantly correlated with all domains of HRQoL scores: physical (ρ = –2.32, CI 95% = –3.02, –1.61); psychological (ρ = –2.26, CI 95% = –2.87, –1.65); independence (ρ = –1.81, CI 95% = –2.54, –1.06); social relationships (ρ = –1.40, CI 95% = –2.13, –0.67); environment (ρ = –1.58, CI 95% = –2.13, –1.04); and spirituality (ρ = –1.70, CI 95% = –82.27, –1.13). Significance of results: HRQoL assessments can identify and address patients' needs, and it is important that guidelines be developed that will yield improved care to ART patients in Botswana.