Clinical status, adherence to HAART and quality of life in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral treatment

INTRODUCTION. Quality of life is one of the most frequently used subjective measures in chronic health problems. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between clinical and therapeutic parameters, and 11 quality of life domains in HIV-infected patients. METHODS. A cross-sectional survey of 320 patients on antiretroviral treatment was conducted in four Andalusian hospitals (Spain). A semi-structured questionnaire was administered by health care professionals. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the MOS-HIV questionnaire, an instrument designed specifically for HIV-infected patients. RESULTS. Almost three-quarters of the population were men (73.4%); 35.6% had developed aids, and 88.1% were considered adherent to treatment. Patients with greater viral load presented lower quality of life scores for all the domains, except cognitive functioning. Patients who had developed aids showed poorer quality of life for 10 of the 11 domains. Patients with adequate adherence to antiretroviral treatment showed better quality of life for 10 domains. No statistically significant differences in the domain scores except for quality of life were found between patients with a treatment regimen including protease inhibitors and those without. CONCLUSION. The patient's clinical status and adherence affect not only survival, but also quality of life.