Health-related quality of life and antiretroviral therapy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
SOURCE: Social Behavior and Personality
OUTPUT TYPE: Journal Article
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2012
TITLE AUTHOR(S): K.Peltzer
KEYWORDS: ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART), HEALTH, HIV/AIDS, KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE, QUALITY OF LIFE
DEPARTMENT: Public Health, Societies and Belonging (HSC)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 7072
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/3556
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/3556
OUTPUT TYPE: Journal Article
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2012
TITLE AUTHOR(S): K.Peltzer
KEYWORDS: ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART), HEALTH, HIV/AIDS, KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE, QUALITY OF LIFE
DEPARTMENT: Public Health, Societies and Belonging (HSC)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 7072
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/3556
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/3556
If you would like to obtain a copy of this Research Output, please contact Hanlie Baudin at researchoutputs@hsrc.ac.za.
Abstract
In studies conducted with African and Asian cohorts researchers have shown the clinical efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. However, studies on the longer term changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with patients receiving ART in these settings are still scarce. The aim in this study was to assess HIV patients' HRQoL, clinical, psychosocial, and sociodemographic factors at 3 public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa over 20 months. Patients (N = 735) who attended 3 HIV clinics completed interview assessments prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy; 519 after 6 months, 557 after 12, and 499 after 20 months on ART. Results indicate that total HRQoL increased, as did general quality of life, general health, independence, social relationships, and environment. HIV symptoms, depression symptom ratings, and internalized stigma reduced over time, whereas CD4 cell counts (number of helper T cells per cubic milliliter of blood), adherence to ART, and social support increased. Total HRQoL, the physical and psychological HRQoL domains, and internalized stigma improved at first and then deteriorated almost to baseline levels. Significant independent predictors of good HRQoL were low internalized stigma, being employed, earning wages, higher CD4 cell counts, and fewer and less severe HIV and depressive symptoms. In order to maximize gains in HRQoL for patients on ART, interventions are needed that address and reduce stigmatization and enhance the economic and employment opportunities.-
Related Research Outputs:
- Health related quality of life and antiretroviral treatment in patients over a period of 20 months in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Perceived stigma among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy: a prospective study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Health-related quality of life in a sample of HIV-infected South Africans
- Use of traditional complementary and alternative medicine for HIV patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Using participatory methods and geographic information systems (GIS) to prepare for an HIV community-based trial in Vulindlela, South Africa. Project Accept - HPTW 043
- Traditional complementary and alternative medicine and antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Traditional complementary and alternative medicine and antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Antiretrovirals and the use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine by HIV patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a longitudinal study
- Design and methods of a longitudinal study investigating the impact of antiretroviral treatment on the partnerships and sexual behaviour of HIV-infected individuals in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- The influence of antiretroviral treatment on willingness to test: a qualitative study in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in low socioeconomic status community sample
- Sexual dissatisfaction and associated factors in a sample of patients on antiretroviral treatment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Spirituality and religion in antiretroviral therapy (ART) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a longitudinal study
- Efficacy of a lay health worker led group antiretroviral medication adherence training among non-adherent HIV-positive patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: results from a randomized trial
- The social and clinical characteristics of patients on antiretroviral therapy who are 'lost to follow-up' in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a prospective study
- Social grants for people with HIV and on antiretroviral therapy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a longitudinal study
- Efficacy of a lay health worker led group antiretroviral medication adherence training among non-adherent HIV-positive patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: results from a randomized trial
- The South African disability grant: influence on HIV treatment outcomes and household well-being in KwaZulu-Natal
- HIV-related symptoms and management in HIV and antiretroviral therapy patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a longitudinal study