Gender differences in perceived health related quality of life among persons living with HIV.

Thomas, B.E.; Arockiaselvi, J.; Suryanarayanan, D.; Rehman, F.; Padmapriyadarsini; Swaminathan, S.

SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diasease & HIV/AIDS; 2005; II; 15-22.

Abstract: In the era of HlV/AlDS and in the context of the developing world HIV/AIDS has led to a pandemic. HIV antiretroviral drugs are inaccessible and unaffordable and the only choice that health care providers have is to work towards improving the quality of life of individuals as long as they live with this dreaded disease. This study on 203 seropositive individuals, 102 women and 101 men, was undertaken to find out the differences in the quality of life perceived by women and men living with HIV/AIDS. The WHOQOL-BREF scale was used to assess the quality of life.

The findings from this study reveal that men report a poor quality of life in the psychological doman (p<0.01) while women in the sociological domain (p=0.03). The stage of illness does not seem to influence quality of life among women and men. The findings emphasize the need for health providers to assess the QOL among people living with HIV/AIDS. This information would be helpful in planning effective intervention strategies for men and women living with HIV/AIDS in order to be ensured of a quality of life.

Keywords: Quality of life, HIV/AIDS, Gender and Domains

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