ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS RECEIVING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY USING THE STANDARDIZED SF-36 INSTRUMENT
Background: With the advancement of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV infection has shifted from being a fatal disease to a chronic and manageable condition. In this context, not only the virological response but also the patients’ quality of life becomes an important indicator of treatment effectiveness. Studying this aspect allows for a comprehensive assessment of the health status of people living with HIV and helps identify key areas that require additional medical and psychosocial support.
Objective: To assess the quality of life of HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, with an emphasis on physical, mental, and social well-being, and to identify factors limiting daily and professional activities.
Materials and Methods: The study included 70 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HIV infection who had been on ART for at least 6 months. The standardized SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess eight key domains of quality of life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee, and all participants signed informed consent forms.
Results: The analysis revealed that the overall quality of life of HIV-positive patients can be considered satisfactory. The highest average scores were observed in the domains of physical functioning (79.2 ± 20.9), role limitations due to physical health (79.7 ± 26.5), and emotional role functioning (79.5 ± 28.6), indicating relatively preserved physical and social activity. The lowest scores were recorded in general health perception (49.7 ± 11.3) and mental health (71.5 ± 16.3), suggesting psychological distress and emotional exhaustion. Moderate scores in vitality (63.9 ± 16.9) also indicate frequent fatigue. Emotional and physical challenges affected the performance of daily and work-related tasks for some participants, despite overall maintained social involvement.
Conclusion: The quality of life of HIV-positive patients on ART is generally satisfactory; however, the identified challenges in mental and general health emphasize the need for a comprehensive care approach. It is recommended to expand psychosocial support and physical rehabilitation programs to improve overall well-being and daily functioning.
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Mukasheva G.D., Sadvakasova K.T., Maukayeva S.B., Kudaibergenova N.K., Lepesbayev M.N., Smailova Zh.K., Kozhanova S.K., Mukanova D.А., Apbassova S.A., Rakhimzhanova F.S. Assessment of quality of life in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy using the standardized SF-36 instrument // Nauka i Zdravookhranenie [Science & Healthcare]. 2025. Vol.27 (5), pp. 103-111. doi 10.34689/SH.2025.27.5.013Related publications:
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