Abstract | Background: Nigeria ranks the second in HIV/AIDS population in sub-Saharan Africa. With the current prevalence of 3.2%, it is estimated that more than 3.2 million Nigerians are infected with the virus as at the end of 2014. The Quality of Life (QoL) becomes an important area of concern for patients, healthcare providers, psychological and social support providers. HIV/AIDS has debilitating effects on all aspects of lives of individuals and families; ranging from physical health, as well as the psychological, economic and social aspects of life. Aim of the study: To Evaluate Health Related Quality of Life of HIV/AIDS Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in the State House Medical Centre, Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) who are on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), using a standard questionnaire capturing data on the patient’s demographic information, HAART and other medication regimen, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire short version (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) were used to access quality of life. The questionnaires were completed by these PLWHIV and some by the researcher through verbal interview. Result: The participants reported a satisfactory quality of life for physical health, psychological health, level of independence and spirituality respectively with a mean Standard Deviation (SD) of 12.08(±2.65), 14.58(±1.67), 14.36(±2.18) and 10.22(±3.46). Result also show a high quality of life for environment and social relation with an SD of 15.27(±2.47) and 15.36(±2.47). The level of independence was found to be influenced by Age, Marital status and level of education (p<0.05). Age had an influence on physical health (p<0.05), also Age and level of education had influence on the patient spirituality. HAART regimen and marital status is associated with the patient’s psychological health (p<0.05). Social relationship was influenced by Age and level of education (p<0.05), however gender and marital status had no association with participants’ social relationship. Conclusion: The findings of this research showa satisfactory health related quality of life of PLWHIV who are on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in the State House Medical Centre, Abuja. Patient education and counselling at every point of care should be sustained for an improvement in patients’ quality of life. |
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