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Factors influencing the quality of life in patients with HIV in Malaysia

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the socio-demographic, clinical and psychological factors influencing the quality of life (QOL) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study on 271 patients with HIV infection attending an HIV clinic in Kota Bharu, Malaysia. Participants completed the Malay version of the Functional Assessment of HIV Infection (FAHI) and Malay Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

The patients functioned satisfactorily in the physical domain. They were mostly impaired in the social domain. Those who acquired the HIV infection via a heterosexual route seemed to have a significantly lower social well-being, while those who acquired HIV via drug injection were not associated with losses in the overall QOL or any of its domains. Non-disclosure paradoxically had a greater effect on social well-being. About 38% had possible anxiety, depression or both, and these emotional disturbances were significantly associated with total FAHI and its five domains.

Conclusions

Psychological and social well-beings were more affected than physical well-being in out-patients with HIV infection in Kota Bharu, Malaysia. The study suggests that the patients with HIV infection should receive better psycho-education and psychological intervention.

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Acknowledgments

This study was approved by the Research and Ethical Committees of Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Malaysia

    C. I. Hasanah

  2. General Hospital Alor Star Kedah, Alor Star, Malaysia

    A. R. Zaliha

  3. Department of Medicine, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II), Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

    M. Mahiran

Authors
  1. C. I. Hasanah
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  2. A. R. Zaliha
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  3. M. Mahiran
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Correspondence to C. I. Hasanah.

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Hasanah, C.I., Zaliha, A.R. & Mahiran, M. Factors influencing the quality of life in patients with HIV in Malaysia. Qual Life Res 20, 91–100 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-010-9729-y

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