Quality of Life Among Women Living With HIV in Rural India.
Abstract
A cross-sectional examination was conducted on quality of life (QOL) among women living with HIV (WLWH) in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. Baseline data were collected from 400 WLWH and their children. QOL was measured with 10 items from the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. Findings revealed low QOL scores; on a scale from 0 to 3, the mean QOL score was 0.38 (SD = 0.30). Depression symptoms were reported by 25.5%, internalized stigma was high, and most reported little to no social support. Multivariable analysis revealed positive associations between QOL and CD4+ T cells (b = .0011, p = .021) and social support (b = .260, p < .0001), and a negative relationship between QOL and internalized stigma (b = -.232, p < .0001). Interventions focused on improving QOL for WLWH should incorporate strategies to improve social support and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, while mitigating internalized stigma.
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