Evaluation of the questionnaire of quality of life related to the health: functional assessment of HIV infection in carrying patients of the virus of human immunodeficiency

Introduction: health related quality of life has become a measurement for effectiveness in the clinical studies of patients who a re HIV carriers, through the effectiveness of antretroviral treatments, even considering HIV as a chronic disease. Objectives: to evaluate a tool for measuring the health related quality of life assessment (FAHI - Functional Assessment of HIV infection) and its association with a series of clinical, psychological and socio-demographical variables of a population living with HIV. Methods: this is an analytical-descriptive study of the FAHI in patients carriers of HIV at the preventive medicine unit of the Uruguayan Medical Association Health Care Center (CASMU). We studied the validity and reliability of the instruments used. Results: the FAHI proved to have adequate internal consistency. The presence of low CD4 lymphocyte count, greater viral load levels for HIV and/or AIDS staging according to the classification of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), were not associated with a worse perception of the FAHI. Receiving antiretroviral treatment was associated to a better functional level both in men and women, there being a worse perception of physical wellbeing among women. Conclusion: the internal consistency of FAHI proved to be appropriate and it is a valid tool compared to the original one. We stand out the importance of evaluating the FAHI when it comes to deciding initiating or changing antiretroviral treatments. As to the psychological discomfort, SCL90-R was positively correlated with the perception of the health-related quality of life.