Quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS: temporal, socio-demographic and perceived health relationship

Association of syndemic conditions and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS

The syndemics theory seeks to understand the effect of multiple synergic problems in promoting poor health outcomes. To disentangle which and how syndemic conditions affect the quality of life (QoL) may be important to improve well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study evaluates the association between syndemic conditions and QoL among PLWHA. We performed a secondary analysis using data obtained between 2014 and 2017 among PLWHA under care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The outcomes were the six QoL domains (physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationships, environmental, and spirituality) measured through the World Health Organization Quality of Life in HIV infection scale, abbreviated version (WHOQOL-HIV-BREF). The independent variables were demographic and clinical characteristics, syndemic conditions (binge drinking, compulsive sexual behavior, polysubstance use, intimate partner violence, and depression), and syndemics (two or more syndemic conditions simultaneously). Bivariate analysis (t-test and ANOVA) and linear regressions were performed for each quality-of-life domain. The analytical sample comprised 1530 participants, mostly male at birth (64%) and with median age of 43 years. The syndemic conditions most frequently observed were binge drinking (56%), IPV (13%), and depression (9%). Both individual syndemic conditions and syndemics were associated with worse QoL. In the multivariate analysis, positive screening for depression was associated with worse QoL in all domains. Polysubstance users presented worse QoL at social and environmental domains. Intimate partner violence was associated with worse QoL at environment domain while binge drinking was associated with worse scores in the physical domain. The presence of syndemics increased the likelihood of worse scores in the psychological, social, and environment domains. Our study expands the understanding of QoL in PLWHA, as it considers a holistic/integral, multifactorial, and synergistic approach to the determinants of QoL. Seeking strategies that target syndemics may be important to improve patient-centered outcomes in health.Abbreviations: HIV/AIDS: human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndromeWHO: World Health OrganizationQoL: quality of lifeHRQoL: health-related quality of lifePLWHA: people living with HIV/AIDScART: combined antiretroviral therapyIPV: intimate partner violenceINI/FIOCRUZ: Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious DiseasesOswaldo Cruz FoundationSRH: self-rated healthVL: viral loadCD4: CD4 cell countNIAAA: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismCSBcompulsive sexual behaviorWHO-ASSIST: alcoholsmoking and substance involvement screening test developed by the World Health OrganizationPHQ-2: Patient Health Questionnaire-2.

A randomized comparison of health-related quality of life outcomes of dolutegravir versus efavirenz-based antiretroviral treatment initiated in the third trimester of pregnancy

Introduction

Evidence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes is limited for new antiretroviral therapies (ART). Dolutegravir-based treatment is being rolled out as the preferred first-line treatment for HIV in many low- and middle-income countries. We compared HRQoL between treatment-naïve pregnant women randomized to dolutegravir- or efavirenz-based ART in a clinical trial in Uganda and South Africa.

Methods

We gathered HRQoL data from 203 pregnant women of mean age 28 years, randomized to either dolutegravir- or efavirenz-based ART. We used the medical outcomes study-HIV health survey at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks between years 2018 and 2019. Physical health summary (PHS) and mental health summary (MHS) scores were the primary study outcomes, while the 11 MOS-HIV subscales were secondary outcomes. We applied mixed model analysis to estimate differences within and between-treatment groups. Multivariate regression analysis was included to identify associations between primary outcomes and selected variables.

Results

At 24 weeks postpartum, HRQoL scores increased from baseline in both treatment arms: PHS (10.40, 95% CI 9.24, 11.55) and MHS (9.23, 95% CI 7.35, 11.10) for dolutegravir-based ART; PHS (10.24, 95% CI 9.10, 11.38) and MHS (7.54, 95% CI 5.66, 9.42) for efavirenz-based ART. Increased scores for all secondary outcomes were significant at p < 0.0001. At 48 weeks, improvements remained significant for primary outcomes within group comparison. Estimated difference in PHS were higher in the dolutegravir-based arm, while increases in MHS were more for women in the efavirenz-based armat 24 and 48 weeks. No significant differences were noted for corresponding PHS scores at these time points compared between groups. Differences between arms were observed in two secondary outcomes: role function (1.11, 95% CI 0.08, 2.13), p = 0.034 and physical function outcomes (2.97, 95% CI 1.20, 4.73), p = 0.001. In the multivariate analysis, internet access was associated with higher PHS scores while owning a bank account, using the internet and longer treatment duration were associated with an increase in MHS scores.

Conclusion

We found no important differences in HRQoL outcomes among HIV-positive women started on dolutegravir relative to efavirenz in late pregnancy. Increases in HRQoL in the first year after delivery provide additional support for the initiation of ART in HIV-positive women presenting late in pregnancy.

Trial Registration Clinical Trial Number: NCT03249181

Spiritual Needs as Expressed by People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review

It has been previously demonstrated that religiosity and spirituality can help support people living with HIV. Despite this, little work has been undertaken on this theme. Using the PRISMA methodology, we reviewed academic literature from 2008 to 2020 to summarize how people living with HIV define spiritual needs. We found fifty-nine distinct types of approach that were related to this theme and were grouped into four main categories: religious needs, social needs, existential needs, and emotional needs. Religious needs were more frequently cited, including individual prayers, the ingestion of miraculous medicines, and so on. The study calls attention to the concept’s multidimensionality and the cultural differences in the included papers. It reveals the need of each culture to research, to find an adequate meaning of spirituality, and to cater to the spiritual needs for people living with HIV as part of their healthcare, before setting health policies.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders and Associated Factors in People Living With HIV in the Ceará, Brazil: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders and associated factors in people living with HIV (PLWH). This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 385 participants followed-up on an outpatient basis in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Interviews were conducted using the Sociodemographic, Epidemiological and Clinical Form for PLWH and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed, and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated, considering p < .05 as statistically significant. The prevalence of sleep disorders was 43.38%. Having children (p = .0054; OR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.21-3.01), less than 8 years of education (p = .0013; OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.34-3.34), and not engaging in regular physical exercise (p = .0001; OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.61-4.23) were factors associated with the occurrence of sleep disorders. It was concluded that almost half of the sample had sleep disorders, especially those with children, low level education, and sedentary habits. These data point to the need for increased guidance on sleep hygiene, in addition to the practice of regular physical exercise for this population.

Prevalence of testing and coronavirus-19 among nurses in the pandemic

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of testing and COVID-19 among nurses during the pandemic in the State of Ceará. Method: A cross-sectional study with 379 nurses, through a network sampling technique, using a sociodemographic, labor, and clinical questionnaire. The study performed a descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of testing and COVID-19 were, respectively, 63.3% and 25.0%. The most common symptoms were anosmia, ageusia, and myalgia. There was inadequate use of personal protective equipment due to material shortage. The odds ratio for COVID-19 was higher in those with children, people with diabetes, from the capital, with more than two jobs, in hospital and emergency room, and from the frontline. In the multivariate logistic regression, nurses with children (p=0.011), diabetics (p=0.018) and frontline (p<0.001) had more chances for COVID-19. Conclusion: Expanded testing, ongoing in-service education, and adequate personal protective equipment are needed to improve nurses’ work.

DIAGNÓSTICOS DE ENFERMAGEM PARA PESSOAS VIVENDO COM HIV: RELAÇÕES ENTRE TERMINOLOGIAS

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar as relações entre os diagnósticos de enfermagem para pessoas vivendo com HIV das terminologias NANDA-Internacional e Classificação Internacional para a Prática de Enfermagem (CIPE®) e validar a equivalência de significados dos diagnósticos entre os sistemas de linguagem. Método: estudo transversal, realizado em um hospital de referência no Nordeste do Brasil, constituído pelas etapas: 1) Identificação dos achados clínicos por meio de entrevista e exame físico com pessoas que viviam com HIV norteada por um roteiro validado; 2) Estruturação dos diagnósticos de enfermagem por meio do julgamento clínico de Risner; 3) Mapeamento cruzado dos enunciados de diagnósticos de enfermagem com os sistemas de classificação da NANDA-I e CIPE®; 4) Validação de conteúdo utilizando a técnica Delphi, em duas rodadas, com enfermeiros especialistas, para os diagnósticos com equivalência de significados entre os sistemas. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de agosto a novembro de 2018. Resultados: na elaboração e identificação dos diagnósticos obtiveram-se 135 diagnósticos de enfermagem, destes, 62% (n=84) constam da terminologia da CIPE® e 38% (n=51), da NANDA-Internacional. Para 81% (n=68) dos diagnósticos de enfermagem da CIPE® foi identificada a ausência de mapeamento direto na NANDA-Internacional, constando 19% (n=16). O estudo evidenciou que 47 diagnósticos apresentaram equivalência de significados. Conclusão: ambos os sistemas possibilitam a identificação de diagnósticos de enfermagem com acurácia e possuem a capacidade de auxiliar na elaboração de um plano de cuidados individualizado para pessoas vivendo com HIV.

NURSING DIAGNOSES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV: RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TERMINOLOGIES

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify the relationships between nursing diagnoses for people living with HIV from the NANDA-International terminologies and International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) and to validate the equivalent meanings for diagnoses between language systems. Method: cross-sectional study, conducted in a reference hospital in northeastern Brazil, consisting of the following stages: 1) Identification of clinical findings through interviews and physical examinations with people living with HIV based on a validated script; 2) Structuring nursing diagnoses by means of Risner's clinical judgment; 3) Cross-mapping of nursing diagnosis statements with NANDA-I and ICNP® ; 4) Two rounds of Content validation using the Delphi technique with specialist nurses, for diagnoses with equivalent meanings between the systems. Data collection took place from August to November 2018. Results: in the preparation and identification of diagnoses, 135 nursing diagnoses were obtained, of which 62% (n=84) are included in the terminology of the ICNP® and 38% (n=51), from NANDA-International. For 81% (n=68) of the nursing diagnoses from the ICNP®, the absence of direct mapping in NANDA-international was identified, with 19% (n=16). The study showed that 47 diagnoses presented equivalent meanings. Conclusion: both systems enable the identification of nursing diagnoses accurately and have the ability to assist in the development of an individualized care plan for people living with HIV.

Khan M, Sarwar Z, Noreen S, Aftab T, M. Azeem G, Bin Abdul Malik MH, Kanwal R, Sadiqa A. Standard of Living of HIV Positive Individuals Visiting HIV Clinic Services Hospital, Lahore

HIV is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and leads to immunosuppression, thus making an individual easily susceptible to infections.This research was conducted in the HIV Clinic at Services Hospital Lahore to assess the living standards of HIV-positive patients visiting HIV Clinic. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the standard of life in HIV-positive patients visiting the HIV Clinic of Services Hospital Lahore.Methods: It was a case-series study, conducted in the HIV clinic at Services Hospital Lahore. Data was collected from patients suffering from HIV-AIDS with the help of structured questionnaires. SPSS 23 software was used to enter, compile, and analyze the data.Results: Result of this study showed that 50% of patients visiting HIV clinic Services Hospital Lahore are in the age group of 31-45 years. Male and married patients are predominant. The questionnaire had 35 questions which are transformed into 11 dimensions. Cronbach's α co-efficient were calculated for all multi-item scales and four out of eight scale.Cronbach's α for perceived health is 0.72, physical functioning is 0.79, health distress is 0.78, and cognitive function is 0.70. The total mean summary scores were also calculated. The dimensions affecting physical and mental health were added together under the summary score of physical and mental health. The added mean summary score ± SD for mental health is 55.4±11.8 and for physical health is 41.5±11.3.Conclusions: The data indicates that patients with HIV/AIDS have an overall high standard of living. The stigma is that the patients consider themselves a bit exclusive, as AIDS is considered taboo in the Pakistani Muslim community. The research shows that patients with AIDS have excellent mental health, but their physical health is a bit worse depending on the burden of disease (virus). Thus, a conclusion can be made that HIV affects a person's physical health more than their mental health.

Differences in quality of life and food insecurity between men and women living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

A prevalence study was conducted to compare quality of life and food insecurity in men and women living with HIV/AIDS. The sample comprised 481 HIV-infected individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy at a referral hospital in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. Food insecurity and quality of life were assessed using the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Scale and WHOQOL-HIV Bref, respectively. The results were presented as absolute and relative frequencies and gender differences were tested using the chi-squared test adopting a significance level of 0.05. The findings showed that 40.1% of the sample were women. A higher percentage of women than men had a low income and low education level (65.8% and 72.5%, respectively). Prevalence of food security was lower in women than in men (29.0% compared to 42.7%), and a higher percentage of women than men reported below average quality of life (54.9% compared to 44.4%). The findings reveal that, besides the usual difficulties faced by HIV-infected patients, this group showed a significant level of gender inequality. The management of HIV patient care should consider these important findings, promoting access to care and support services and gender equality so that women can live fairer and more equal lives.

HIV/AIDS treatment funding system to support the people affected by HIV/AIDS in Surakarta, Indonesia

People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA's) quality of life (QoL) is determined by the lifetime treatment sustainability. Republic of Indonesia Minister of Health's Decree Number 328 of 2003 stated that government subsidies the PLWHA's medication and treatment, despite not covering entire medication and treatment cost. The objective of research was to analyse the cost assumed by PLWHA in accessing HIV/AIDS treatment service in Surakarta, Indonesia. The target group in this case study was PLWHAs, and related stakeholders of medical treatment in one of Public Health Centers and a Public Hospital in Surakarta; AIDS Commission of Surakarta City; Solo Plus Peer Support Group and AIDS-Care NGO selected purposively. Data collection was carried out using observation, in-depth interview, and documentation. Method and data source triangulations were used to validate data that was then analysed using Grossman's Demand for Health Capital theory. The result of research showed that the sources of HIV/AIDS treatment cost were self-income, Social Insurance Administration Organization (BPJS) fund and Local Government subsidy. Admission and physican services are given for free to PLWHA because it has been paid by BPJS Fund or has been subsidied by Local Government. Otherwise, they should pay registration cost of IDR 50,000, in Public Hospital and IDR 75,000 in Private Hospital. Physician service costs IDR 50,000–IDR 200,000. VCT Counsellor costs IDR 35,000-IDR 150,000. Non-Subsidy ARV costs IDR 687,000. 1 bottle containing 60 TB meningitis drug capsules costs IDR 145,000 for 10–20 d use and maximally IDR 210,000, while herpes drug costs IDR 295,000. CD4 examination costs IDR 126,000-IDR 297,000, RNA Viral load IDR 1,275,000–IDR 1,471,000, Haematology IDR 60,000-IRD 90,000, Cholesterol and triglyceride IDR 100,000-IDR 250,000, and SGOT/SGPT IDR 100,000–IDR 200,000. There is monthly non-medical cost the patient should spend, including transportation cost to go to health centre, and food, beverage, and newspaper cost while waiting for the service. BPJS fund and local government subsidy relieved health economic burden of PLWHAs, so that the average HIV/AIDS treatment cost in PLWHAs was relatively low, less than 10% of expense. National Insurance System including BPJS fund and local government subsidy as the answer to the integration of HIV/AIDS treatment funding management into national insurance system had provided PLWHA a funding access involving prevention, care, support, and treatment, and mitigated the effect despite less optimum.

Health-Related Quality of Life Among Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Jordan: An Exploratory Study

INTRODUCTION

Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS infection can have adverse effects on the individual and may affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Numerous studies have previously assessed the HRQoL of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) globally, but not in Jordan. The aim of the current study is to examine HRQoL among PLWHA residing in Jordan and to evaluate the effect of socio-demographic and disease-related factors on HRQoL.

METHODOLOGY

An exploratory approach employing a cross-sectional design was applied. The study applied a semi-structured face-to-face interview followed by administration of self-reported questionnaire using the World Health Organization's Quality of Life HIV brief questionnaire (WHOQOL-HIV-BREF).

RESULTS

Results showed that unemployment, low income, non-disclosure status, single status (separated, divorced or widowed), and having comorbidities were connected with poor HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

PLWHA require more than just being provided with antiretroviral therapy to rebuild their lives.

Quality of Life People Living with HIV/AIDS and Its Characteristic from a VCT Centre in Indonesia

Background

The quality of life (QoL) construct has also contributed to understanding the comprehension of factors involved in the existence of people infected by the HIV/AIDS. The objective of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Wonogiri District, Indonesia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2017. Convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 39 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) at Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) of Wonogiri, Indonesia. Research data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire of WHOQOL-HIV BREF. The data were further analysed using a t-test and a Chi-square test, while linear regression was used to evaluate factors that correlate with the PLWHAs' quality of life.

Results

The results showed that the gross mean score of social relationships domain is 13.59; psychological domain is 13.31; environment domain is 13.28; spiritual/personal beliefs domainis 13.15; physical domain is 13.10; and level of independence domain is 13.77. The symptom of HIV is associated with quality of life (B = 7.611, β = 0.362, t = 2,046, p value = 0.049).

Conclusion

Healthcare provider should increase providerinitiated testing and counselling (PITC) to contracting group, high risk group, susceptible group, and the community. The PLWHA are recommended to actively participate in peer support groups (PSGs) so that they can improve their quality of life.

Assessment of pain and associated factors in people living with HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate pain in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and to relate it to sociodemographic and clinical factors, depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life.

METHOD

descriptive, analytical, observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study. Three hundred and two (302) people assisted at a specialized care service participated in the study. Instruments were used to evaluate sociodemographic and clinical data, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Descriptive, bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

the incidence of pain of mild intensity was 59.27%, recurrent in the head, with interference in mood, mostly affecting females and individuals with no schooling/low schooling. Women were more likely to have moderate or severe pain. People aged 49 to 59 years had greater pain intensity than people aged 18 to 29 years. The variables depressive symptoms and pain were directly proportional. The higher the health-related quality of life and schooling, the lower was the possibility of presence of pain.

CONCLUSION

presence of pain is of concern and has association with female sex, lack of schooling/low schooling, worse level of health-related quality of life and presence of depressive symptoms.

The Intersection of HIV, Social Vulnerability, and Reproductive Health: Analysis of Women Living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 1996 to 2016

Comprehensive care for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and social needs for women living with HIV remains limited globally. We aimed to assess trends in baseline sociodemographic, clinical, sexual, and reproductive characteristics among a cohort of HIV-infected women in Rio de Janeiro from 1996 to 2016. Participants were stratified into four time periods based on year of enrollment; we compared cross-sectional data from each period. Of 1361 participants (median age 36), most were black or mixed race (60.1%), unemployed (52.1%), and without secondary education (54%). Adolescent pregnancy was common (51.5%), and 18.3% reported sexual debut at < 15 years old. Nearly half (45.2%) had < 5 lifetime sexual partners, yet prior syphilis and oncogenic human papillomavirus prevalence were 10.9% and 43.1%, respectively. Lifetime prevalence of induced abortion was 30.3%, and 16% used no contraceptive method. Future research should explore interactions between social vulnerability, HIV, and poor SRH outcomes and healthcare models to alleviate these disparities.