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HIV Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life Prior to Initiation of HAART in a Sample of HIV-Positive South Africans

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Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between current symptom status (no symptoms vs. symptoms present) and dimensions of health-related quality of life and overall quality of life (QoL) (poor vs. good) of 612 people living with HIV, just prior to initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy at three public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The mean number of symptoms reported on the day of interview was 8.4. Experiencing symptoms was most reported by patients in receipt of a disability grant, patients who did not have enough money to meet basic needs, who experienced negative feelings less, who had prayed in the last 6 months and who reported better QoL. Higher QoL was in turn associated with experiencing negative feelings less, praying, receiving a disability grant and having enough money to meet basic needs. Physical health and independence were important predictors of higher QoL for patients both with and without symptoms. Psychological health and spirituality may however mediate the effects of HIV symptoms and socioeconomic stressors.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Tibotec REACH initiative for funding this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 49-51 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK

    Natalie Friend-du Preez

  2. Centre for the Study of Sexual Health & HIV, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, E9 6SR, UK

    Natalie Friend-du Preez

  3. Health Systems Research Unit, Social Aspect of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa

    Karl Peltzer

  4. Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

    Karl Peltzer

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  1. Natalie Friend-du Preez
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  2. Karl Peltzer
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Correspondence to Natalie Friend-du Preez.

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Friend-du Preez, N., Peltzer, K. HIV Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life Prior to Initiation of HAART in a Sample of HIV-Positive South Africans. AIDS Behav 14, 1437–1447 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-009-9566-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-009-9566-6

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