Health-related quality of life of people living with HIV in Beni-Mellal City, Morocco

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the objective for people living with HIV (PLHIV) is living well and long with the infection rather than surviving it. This study assesses health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of PLHIV in Beni-Mellal City, Morocco, and the factors influencing HRQoL. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 PLHIV attending the regional hospital of Beni-Mellal, Morocco. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D Questionnaire (EuroQol-5D). A non-probabilistic χ2 test was used to determine factors associated with HRQoL of PLHIV. A multivariate binomial logistic regression model was applied to determine potential factors influencing HRQoL. RESULTS: The rate of PLHIV with good HRQoL (≥0.59 EuroQol-5D score) was 64.4%. The factors associated with good HRQoL were male gender (p=0.026) (OR: 3.69; 95% CI 1.0 to 12.135), side effects (p= 0.006) (OR: 3.655; 95% CI 1.446 to 9.239), high CD4 count (p=0.001) (OR: 0.77; 95% CI 0.061 to 0.190), HIV representation (p=0.01) (OR: 7.923; 95% CI 1.65 to 38.04), good relationship with the healthcare team (p=0.002) (OR 5.771; 95% CI 1.0 to 12.135) and low viral load (p=0.001) (OR: 0.180; 95% CI 0.063 to 0.514). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological support and challenging stigma are key in health strategies to improve the HRQoL of PLHIV.