QUALITY OF LIFE OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS ATTENDING SECONDARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

Global Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndome (HIV/AIDS) is a major factor in the deteriorating quality of life especially in Sub Saharan Africa; Nigeria has over 3.5 million people living with HIV. The prevalence of HIV in Akwa Ibom State is 6.5% with rural prevalence of 12.8% and 9.8% in the urban area. Although much data exist on quality of life of People living with HIV. information on quality of life as it affects rural residents is still scanty. Several differences exist between rural urban areas in terms of access to health care, poverty level and adherence to cultural beliefs. In view of these disparities in the health status of PLHIV based on the residential factors, it is expected that these same effects should be evident in their quality of life. The objectives of the study is to assess the quality of life in HIV patients in rural and urban areas of Akwa Ibom State and determin the factors that affect their QOL. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Six hundred and fifty six people living with HIV from two hospitals in rural and urban areas in Akwa Ibom State were selected. A face-to-face interview was conducted using questionnaire containing data on socio-demographic, medical, adherence and WHOQOL-HIV bref to assess each study participant. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 for frequencies and percentages, chi-square, t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for bivariate analysis. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. The majority of the patients were females (79.2%) with secondary education (73.8%) and married (48.2%), majority were unemployed (70.8%). The quality of life mean score was higher in the spirituality domain (16.34±3.27) and lowest in level of independence domain (13.76±2.48). Age less than 30, male gender, urban residence, unmarried respondents, at least primary education, employment and long duration on ART had significant effects on various domains of quality of life of patients. The finding in this study shows the adverse effects of socio-economic conditions of PLHIV. This information can be utilized to plan social and environmental interventions to enhance HIV care services.