The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on activities of daily living in HIV-infected adults in South Africa.
This study investigated the relationship between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among two clinical cohorts in South Africa. Between 2003 and 2008 structured questionnaires were administered to HIV-positive patients attending outpatient clinics at an urban hospital (Soweto, n = 3,081) and a rural hospital (Acornhoek, n = 1,247). Among those receiving help, an average of 4.8 and 5.1 h of assistance with IADLs daily was reported (rural and urban participants, respectively), with the patient's mother and children assisting the most. Participants on HAART were 17 and 41% less likely to receive assistance with IADLs in the rural and urban cohorts, respectively, after adjusting for demographic characteristics, healthcare utilization, and CD4 counts. HAART significantly decreased the IADL assistance among patients in South Africa. Alongside clinical benefits, HAART has the potential to reduce the burden of HIV-related care, potentially extending wider social and economic gains to other family members.
Kakinami
Lisa
L
Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. lkakinami@gmail.com
de Bruyn
Guy
G
Pronyk
Paul
P
Mohapi
Lerato
L
Tshabangu
Nkeko
N
Moshabela
Mosa
M
McIntyre
James
J
Martinson
Neil A
NA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014505:Urban Population; D019562:Viral Load; D055815:Young Adult