Factors affecting quality of life in people living with HIV in Taunggyi, Shan state, Myanmar

Abstract

According to the trend of HIV situation, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) is increasing year by year not only in the world but also in Myanmar as a result of introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART). On the other hand, PLHIV experience a range of physical, psychological and social problems which have great impact on quality of life (QOL). The aim of this cross-sectional analytic study was to determine QOL and its associating factors among PLHIV who were registered and receiving HIV services at National AIDS Program and Integrated HIV Care Program in Taunggyi, Shan State, Myanmar. A total of 326 PLHIV were interviewed by trained research assistants using structured questionnaire during March and April 2018. QOL was measured by 31 items WHOQOL-HIV BREF, and the total QOL raw score was categorized into high and low QOL according to mean cut-off point 117. Chi-square test, simple and multiple logistic regression were used to analyses the data. Among total 326 PLHIV, 49.1% had high QOL while 50.9% had low QOL. Majority of them were female (53.1%), married people (48.8%) with an age range of 18 to 67 years and median age of 39. According to the result of multiple logistic regression, adherence (OR=5.18, 95% CI=2.02-13.31), high social capital (OR=3.16, 95% CI=1.85-5.38), male gender (OR=2.21, 95% CI=1.27-3.83), asymptomatic patients (OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.24-3.83), low/little self-stigma (OR=2.85, 95% CI=1.61-5.04), and time spent at the clinic less than 30 minutes (OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.15-4.08) were significant predictors of QOL among PLHIV. Since adherence and social capital were the strongest predictors of QOL in PLHIV, comprehensive interventions should include installing advance technology to identify non-adherence and to promote adherence, forming and supporting peer groups or networks or organizations in order to enhance QOL among PLHIV.