Quality of life assessment in HIV clinical research in resource-limited settings: better late than never.
Comprehensive and sustained optimal care for patients infected with HIV can now be achieved in resource-constrained settings, thanks to the sustainability of programs providing antiretroviral therapy (ART). But the primary goals of HIV virological suppression and improved survival need to be accompanied by a substantial improvement in patient's experience with HIV care and treatment. An assessment of both patients' quality of life and perceived toxicity and symptoms should now be systematically integrated into HIV clinical research in resource-constrained countries. This will allow treatment strategies aimed at optimizing the durability of response to ART in these settings to be properly evaluated and compared.
Becquet
Renaud
R
INSERM, Unité 897, Centre de Recherche Epidémiologie et Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France. Renaud.Becquet@isped.u-bordeaux2.fr
Burgos-Soto
Juan
J
Carrieri
Maria Patrizia
MP
Spire
Bruno
B
D000349:Africa; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents