Quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Despite the global efforts and huge financial investment in HIV/AIDS, the quality of life in people living with the disease continues to deteriorate, posing serious problems with increased mortality.


OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the study were: (i) to assess the quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS, and (ii) to compare quality of life in males and females living with the disease.


METHODS
A total of 309 people living with HIV/AIDS from the HIV clinic, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital were randomly assessed for quality of life, using HIV/AIDS-Targeted Quality of life (HAT-QOL) questionnaire.


RESULTS
A total of 265 (85.8%) respondents consisting of 113 (36.6%) males and 152 (49.2%) females were analyzed. The mean age for males was 36.8 +/- 4.0 years and females 31.9 +/- 3.3 years. The difference in mean was statistically significant (t = 31.831, p < 0.01), occupation was statistically significant (chi(2) = 11.348, p < 0.02). Females showed lower quality of life in comparable domains than males. The differences in life satisfaction (chi(2) = 10.362, p < 0.01) and health worries (chi(2) = 9.944, p < 0.01) were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The results showed impairment in quality of life, except in medication worries and sexual function in people living with HIV/AIDS. Improvement in HAT-QoL indices will enhance positive quality of life.
Abasiubong
Festus
F
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. fesab2000@yahoo.com
Ekott
John U
JU
Bassey
Emem A
EA
Etukumana
Etiobong A
EA
Edyang-Ekpa
Mfon
M
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult