Quality of life in women with HIV/aids in a municipality in the state of São Paulo

Abstract

High potency antiretroviral therapy brings benefits to people with HIV/AIDS, related to survival, chronicity and quality of life. The objective of this quantitative and cross-sectional study was to assess the quality of life of women with HIV/AIDS, using the WHOQOL - HIV bref and its association with sociodemographic variables. The study was performed in outpatient clinics specialized in care to HIV/AIDS patients. Of the 106 interviewed women, 99.1% were heterosexual and 92.4% were infected sexually. Among the domains of quality of life, spirituality had the highest score (65.7), followed by physical (64.7), psychological (60.6), social relationships (59.5). Level of independence (58.6) and environment (54.5) scored the lowest. The factors low socioeconomic and educational levels were associated with different domains of quality of life, showing the relationship between quality of life and living conditions. Challenges persist in the scope of social, affective and financial relations, which require effective interventions regarding empowerment of women with HIV/Aids.