Quality of Life of HIV-Positive Spouses in Serodiscordant Couples in China
Author Information
Author(s): Shan Duo, Ge Zeng, Ming Shuai, Wang Lan, Sante Michael, He Wensheng, Zhou Jianping, Liu Shanglong, Wang Lu
Primary Institution: National Center for AIDS/STD Control & Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Beijing, China
Hypothesis
What factors influence the quality of life in HIV-positive spouses undergoing antiretroviral therapy?
Conclusion
Younger age, being a farmer, lower education level, reported STD symptoms, and lower CD4 count can decrease quality of life, indicating that ART alone may not improve it.
Supporting Evidence
- The study involved 1,009 HIV-positive spouses from serodiscordant couples.
- Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument.
- Lower CD4 counts were associated with lower quality of life scores.
- Psychological domain scores were the lowest among the four domains assessed.
- Educational level and occupation were significant factors affecting quality of life.
- Farmers reported lower quality of life scores compared to other occupations.
- Those with STD symptoms had worse quality of life outcomes.
- Age was positively correlated with psychological quality of life scores.
Takeaway
This study looked at how happy and healthy HIV-positive spouses feel while getting treatment. It found that some things, like being younger or having less education, can make them feel worse.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using standardized questionnaires administered by trained local healthcare workers.
Potential Biases
Respondents may have underreported STD symptoms.
Limitations
Potential social desirability bias and lack of adherence data.
Participant Demographics
Majority were female (56.39%), Han ethnicity (98.41%), and farmers (90.09%); average age was 43.55 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website