In the outer-metropolitan area of Western Sydney, the quality of life (QOL) for people living with HIV (PLHIV) is coming under scrutiny. With a diverse patient demographic at the forefront, researchers are delving into the myriad factors that influence the well-being of these individuals. The intersection of clinical care and demographic diversity offers a unique landscape for understanding the challenges and triumphs faced by PLHIV in this region.
Study Parameters and Methodology
The study utilized the PozQol tool tailored for PLHIV, assessing QOL scores from 188 patients between September 2020 and March 2022. These patients included a significant proportion of women, heterosexual men, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The data, which encompassed demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors, was extracted from electronic and paper records. The analysis employed both descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify associations.
Key Findings and Demographic Insights
Among the cohort, 77.7% were men, 21.3% women, and 1.1% transwomen. Notably, 67% were born overseas, and 85.1% spoke English. Employment was high, with 85.9% holding jobs, while 84.4% were eligible for Medicare. The duration of HIV diagnosis varied, with 58.5% diagnosed 6-20 years ago and 33% within the past five years. Overall, 58% reported high or very high QOL scores. However, low QOL was linked to various factors, such as Medicare ineligibility and unemployment.
Low QOL scores in the health domain were notably associated with being born overseas and having partners of both sexes. Psychological QOL was impacted by unemployment, mental health conditions, and high viral loads (>20 copies/mL). Social QOL was also affected by unemployment, while functional QOL was influenced by Medicare eligibility, unemployment, and high viral loads.
Market Access Implications
The findings underscore the importance of market access in healthcare services for PLHIV. Ensuring eligibility for Medicare and employment opportunities can significantly impact the overall QOL for these individuals. Moreover, enhancing clinical interventions tailored to the needs of diverse populations can improve health outcomes and access to care.
Noteworthy Inferences:
- Medicare eligibility is crucial for higher QOL, pointing to the need for broader healthcare coverage.
- Employment plays a significant role in psychological and social well-being.
- Targeted interventions are essential for groups with unique challenges, such as those born overseas or with diverse sexual partnerships.
The PozQol tool has proven effective in identifying key factors affecting QOL for PLHIV in Western Sydney. This enhanced understanding allows for targeted clinical interventions, aiming to improve the overall well-being of these patients. Re-aligning clinical services to better support PLHIV, especially those with low QOL scores, is imperative for enhancing their quality of life.
Original Article:
Sex Health. 2024 Jul;21:SH24040. doi: 10.1071/SH24040.
ABSTRACT
Background Attaining a good quality of life (QOL) is a priority for people living with HIV (PLHIV). We explored the interaction between QOL and the associated demographic, behavioural and clinical factors for PLHIV attending an outer-metropolitan clinical setting in Western Sydney, Australia. The clinic’s cohort of PLHIV is characterised by relatively high proportions of women, heterosexual men, and patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Methods We assessed QOL using the PozQol tool that is specifically designed for PLHIV. QOL scores and de-identified socio-demographic and clinical data were extracted from the electronic and paper medical records of PLHIV who completed a PozQol tool (September 2020-March 2022). We performed descriptive analyses and logistic regression to identify associations. Results Among 188 patients, there were 77.7% men, 21.3% women, 1.1% transwomen; 67.0% were born overseas, 85.1% spoke English, 84.4% were Medicare-eligible, 85.9% were employed, 58.5% were diagnosed with HIV 6-20years ago, and 33.0% within the past 5years. Overall, 58.0% had a high or very high QOL. A low score in any domain was associated with Medicare-ineligibility. Low QOL scores in specific domains were associated with the following factors: health (being born overseas, having partners of both sexes), psychological (unemployment, having a mental health condition, having a viral load >20 copies/mL), social (unemployment), and functional (Medicare-eligibility, unemployment, having a viral load >20 copies/mL). Conclusions The PozQol tool has enhanced understanding of factors impacting on QOL for PLHIV attending our service in Western Sydney. Identifying patients with low QOL scores allows targeted clinical interventions to improve QOL, and re-alignment of clinical services to better support PLHIV.
PMID:39038161 | DOI:10.1071/SH24040
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