Perceived Health Status, Quality of Life and Treatment-Seeking Behaviour Among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at a Tertiary Care Centre of North India

Abstract

HIV is a major health issue globally. Though highly effective antiretroviral therapy has improved the life expectancy, people living with HIV (PLHIV) suffer from many physical and psychological issues. The present study assessed perceived health status, quality of life (QOL) and treatment-seeking behaviour among PLHIV. The study was carried out among 75 PLHIV attending ART clinic of a tertiary care centre of North India. Convenience sampling technique was used. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institute Ethics Committee. Participants were asked to rate their current state of health as perceived by them on a five-point scale ranging from poor to excellent. QOL was assessed by using WHOQOL-BREF (Hindi version). Treatment-seeking behaviour was assessed by a structured questionnaire developed by researchers. A total of 45.3% ( n = 34) rated it as fair, 22.7% ( n = 17) rated it as good 13.3% ( n = 10) rated it as poor, 10.7% ( n = 8) rated it as excellent and 8% ( n = 6) rated it as very good. QOL score was highest in physical health domain with a mean ± S.D. of 12.3 ± 4.1 (median 13) and lowest in the social relationships domain with a mean of 8.6 ± 2.9 (median = 8) ( p = .001). Most common reason of going for HIV testing was being symptomatic ( n = 21) followed by spouse testing positive for HIV ( n = 19). HIV impacts QOL of the PLHIV and treatment-seeking behaviour varies among the patients. There is a need to develop a multilevel approach involving all the stakeholders including patient, family and society.