Quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Background: Despite the global efforts and huge financial investment in HIV/AIDS, the quality of life in people living with the disease continues to deteriorate, posing serious problems with increased mortality. Aim: The objectives of the study were: (i) to assess the quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS, and (ii) to compare quality of life in males and females living with the disease. Methods: A total of 309 people living with HIV/AIDS from the HIV clinic, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital were randomly assessed for quality of life, using HIV/AIDS-Targeted Quality of life (HAT-QOL) questionnaire. Results: A total of 265 (85.8%) respondents consisting of 113 (36.6%) males and 152 (49.2%) females were analyzed. The mean age for males was 36.8 +/- 4.0 years and females 31.9 +/- 3.3 years. The difference in mean was statistically significant (t = 31.831, p < 0.01), occupation was statistically significant (chi(2) = 11.348, p < 0.02). Females showed lower quality of life in comparable domains than males. The differences in life satisfaction (chi(2) = 10.362, p < 0.01) and health worries (chi(2) = 9.944, p < 0.01) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The results showed impairment in quality of life, except in medication worries and sexual function in people living with HIV/AIDS. Improvement in HAT-QoL indices will enhance positive quality of life.