Assessment of quality of life among HIV-infected persons in Pune, India.
OBJECTIVE
To study dimensions of Quality of Life (QOL) amongst HIV infected persons, their relationship with socio-demographic characteristics and disease progression.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study with one time assessment of QOL.


METHODS
Modified Medical Outcome Study (MOS) core instrument [The Medical Outcome Study 116 core set of Measures of functioning and well being, Appendix A, core survey instrument (internet)] was interview--administered to 100 HIV infected individuals.


RESULTS
The instrument showed significant positive inter-domain correlations and desired linear association between QOL scores and the CD4 counts. The scale had a Cronbach alpha value of 0.75. QOL was markedly affected in the domains of physical health, work and earnings, routine activities and appetite and food intake. Women had significantly lower QOL scores than men despite having less advanced disease. The QOL scores were significantly lower among persons with lower CD4 counts mainly in different domains of physical health.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified MOS scale had the desired reliability and validity for evaluation of QOL in the HIV-infected persons in India. Low scores in the domains of physical health compared to other domains suggest a strategy to focus on medical intervention. A need for psychosocial intervention for women was perceived. Longitudinal studies must be done to assess the impact of anti-retroviral therapy being rolled out through the national programme on QOL.
Kohli
Rewa M
RM
National AIDS Research Institute, Indian Council of Medical Research, 73 G Block, MIDC Bhosari, Pune 411026, Maharashtra, India. rewakohli@hotmail.com
Sane
Suvarna
S
Kumar
Kishore
K
Paranjape
Ramesh S
RS
Mehendale
Sanjay M
SM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D018450:Disease Progression; D004644:Emotions; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019562:Viral Load