Perceived HIV-related physical fatigue, sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity: A cross-sectional study

Aims and objectives To get a deeper understanding of correlates of perceived HIV-related fatigue by exploring its associations with sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity level of HIV-infected people. Background Previous studies on HIV-related fatigue have mainly focused on physiological and psychological characteristics, but few have considered its associations with sociodemographic variables. In addition, while physical activity has been found to reduce acute fatigue among HIV-infected people, its links with chronic HIV-related fatigue remain to be explored. Design The study employed an observational and cross-sectional survey design. The manuscript was organised according to STROBE guidelines. Method A total of 560 people living with HIV in France completed a measure of perceived physical fatigue using the Fatigue Intensity Scale. The predictors targeted sociodemographic characteristics and two measures of individuals' reported level of physical activity. Data were analysed by a stepwise multiple regression model. Results The results showed that lower age, higher physical activity level and socio-economic status were significantly associated with reduced perceived physical fatigue, explaining 25% of the variance. Conclusions The results highlighted the importance of considering sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics to better characterise HIV-related fatigue, in particular in an era where HIV as a chronic illness challenges questions of quality of life throughout increasingly longer lifespans. Relevance to clinical practice The results of this study have implications for HIV care professionals in terms of improving strategies for managing chronic fatigue or promoting physical activity according to more specific profiles of HIV-infected people.