Assessment Of Quality of Life Among PLHIV Attending the FIART Clinic of Bankura Sammilani Medical College, West Bengal

ABSTRACT

Introduction: People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are facing increasing challenges pertaining to the disease as life expectancy is gradually rising. This study was conducted to assess the quality of life (QOL) in vari-ous domains among PLHIV and to find out its’ associated factors. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Facility Integrated Antiretroviral Thera-py (FIART) clinic of Bankura Sammilani Medical College & Hospital (BSMCH) among 99 PLHIV from 01/07/2019 to 30/06/2020. Data were collected by interviewing PLHIV aged within 18-60 years using pre-designed, pre-tested, and semi-structured questionnaire incorporating WHO Quality of Life for HIV (WHOQOL-HIV) - BREF version to assess the QOL of the study subjects in various domains.Results: 44% participants rated their QOL as good, 79% satisfied with their health. Among all other do-mains, QOL score (median- 17.0, IQR- 4) was found highest in physical domain, while it was lowest (me-dian- 14.0, IQR- 2) in spiritual domain. Overall QOL was significantly higher in males, rural residents, joint family and higher socio-economic class. Multiple linear regression revealed statistically significant relation of overall QOL with residence, family type and socio-economic status. Conclusion: Psychological and spiritual well-being of PLHIVs is an area of concern and requires clinical attention.