Determinants of quality of life in people living with HIV and changes over time

Cross-sectional and longitudinal clinic-based assessments using the WHO-QoL-HIV-BREF in Antwerp, Belgium 2016–2023

Dados Bibliográficos

ID19441934
AutoresGert Scheerder (0009-0001-9977-318X, Sexual Health and HIV Research Unit, autor correspondente), Ella Van Landeghem (0000-0002-0019-9430, Sexual Health and HIV Research Unit), Tom Smekens (0000-0002-3599-1719, Sexual Health and HIV Research Unit), Maureen Aerts (HIV and STI Clinic), Kim Courjaret (HIV and STI Clinic), Eva Hemelaer (HIV and STI Clinic), Cora Lamonte (HIV and STI Clinic), Wenne Mertens (HIV and STI Clinic), Tom Platteau (0000-0002-5906-4530, HIV and STI Clinic), Wim Vanden Berghe (0000-0003-0161-7355, HIV and STI Clinic), Vincent Barvaux (0000-0001-8163-1047, HIV and STI Clinic), Christiana Nöstlinger (0000-0001-9031-8503, Sexual Health and HIV Research Unit)
Ano2026
Volume38
Fascículo2
Páginas297-309
Data de publicação2026-02-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2025.2577315
PMID41152203
OpenAlexW4415645016
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas56

With HIV evolving into a chronic disease, attention is shifting to quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV (PLWH). We analyzed monitoring data on QoL of PLWH followed up at the Antwerp HIV clinic between 2016-2023, using the WHO-QOL-HIV BREF. Using logistic regression, we analyzed associations of QoL after adjusting for covariates. Changes in QoL across repeated measurements were calculated for a standardized period (mean change score per year). We used data from 1068 PLWH at baseline and 470 at follow-up. Overall, 76.0% had a good QoL, but people with a non-European background scored significantly lower. After controlling for covariates, acceptance of HIV status, place of birth, sexual orientation, relationship status, and subjective health were associated with QoL. Longitudinal analyses revealed no significant improvement in QoL over time. In this study, PLWH scored below a potential target of 90% with good QoL. Specific interventions are needed to improve the QoL of PLWH and should focus on mental health, sexual well-being, and sleep quality. Acceptance of HIV status was the strongest determinant of QoL and may indicate promising intervention avenues. PLWH with a migrant background may benefit from a tailored approach, particularly in the environmental domain

Logistic regression · Longitudinal data · Longitudinal study · Mental health · Psychological intervention · HIV Research and Treatment · HIV-related health complications and treatments · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions