Health-related quality of life in reproductive-age women on antiretroviral therapy: a cross sectional study in Ethiopia

While numerous studies have explored the impact of gender on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), there is a lack of evidence specifically among reproductive-age women undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Therefore, this study aims to investigate HRQOL and its associated factors among reproductive-age women receiving ART at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study included 418 women of ART. The World Health Organization quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) was used to assess HRQOL. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors that could predict HRQOL.

The study found that the median age of the participants was 37 years, and the overall percentage of women with good HRQOL was 40.7%. Women who stayed on ART for more than 6 years had higher odds of overall good HRQOL (AOR 6.73, 95% CI 3.31–13.71) compared to those with a duration of 6 years or less. Besides, women having no child (AOR 25.03, 95% CI 4.93–127.06), one child (AOR 18.60, 95% CI 3.95–87.65), two children (AOR 12.89, 95% CI 3.66–45.37) and three children (AOR 3.77, 95% CI 1.06–13.34) had higher odds of overall good HRQOL compared to those with four/more children.

The study found that the majority of women on ART had poor HRQOL. Factors such as longer duration of taking ART, higher CD4+ cell count, disclosure of HIV status, and receiving care from adherence support teams were associated with better quality of life. Thus, strengthening adherence support teams, promoting safe disclosure of HIV status, and providing comprehensive support for HIV-positive women are required to improve their overall HRQOL.