Quality of Life in People Living With HIV: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey in Belgium

Quality of life and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV in the Ceará, Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life (QOL) and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLWH) in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 385 patients followed-up on an outpatient basis. Interviews were conducted using the Sociodemographic, Epidemiological and Clinical Form, the World Health Organization's Quality of Life in PLWH Instrument, the Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. The odds ratio and confidence interval were calculated, considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant. Of the 385 PLWH, 134 (34.8%) had unsatisfactory QOL which was associated with unemployment (P = 0.0037), monthly income less than the minimum wage (P < 0.0001), sleep disorders (P = 0.0039) and not doing regular exercise (P = 0.0032). Inadequate adherence to ART occurred in 24 patients (6.23%) and was associated with detectable viral load (P = 0.0001) and unsatisfactory QOL (P = 0.0033). QOL was more unsatisfactory for those unemployed and with low income, sleep disorders and sedentary lifestyle. People with detectable viral load and unsatisfactory QOL had more inadequate adherence to ART.

Predictors of sexual dysfunction in HIV-infected men

Aims: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is higher than in those without this infection. Sexual dysfunction in HIV-infected people is associated with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of sexual function in people infected with HIV. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at Behavioral disease counseling centers. Samples were taken from 186 HIV-infected men. Demographic variables were recorded. Sexual function and psychological status were assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire, the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales), and the Domestic Violence Questionnaire. To examine the CD4 cells and hormonal profiles, blood samples were taken from each patient. The data were analyzed using the SPSS18 software. Results: A multivariate analysis showed that hepatitis B infection (P = 0.034, OR = 9.6), smoking (P = 0.026, OR = 2.5), severe stress (P = 0.04, OR = 0.32) and severe depression (P = 0.042, OR = 6.9) were the predictors of sexual dysfunction in HIV-infected men. Conclusion: This study showed that smoking, hepatitis B infection, severe depression, and severe stress could be predictors of sexual dysfunction in those men.