Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life (HrQoL) of People living with HIV Based on Sexual Orientation

PurposeHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has detrimental impacts on the lives of different population groups living with HIV, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL - HIV BREF), this study aimed to assess the Health-Related Quality of Life (HrQoL) of men living with HIV with different sexual orientations and determine the dominant influential factors. MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 206 men living with HIV. They were recruited from Sriwijaya Plus Foundation and a medical facility providing antiretroviral therapy (ART). Data were analyzed using Chi-square and binomial logistic regression. ResultsThe analysis showed that the percentage of MSM patients was more than non-MSM/heterosexual men, accounting for 68.9% of the total population. Furthermore, depression status, social stigma, family support, therapy duration, and suffering duration were significantly associated with the quality of life of MSM and non-MSM (p-value <0.001). The multivariate logistic regression revealed that the most dominant influential factor was depression status (PR=5.417; 95% CI=2.473-11.876), where the majority of the depressed patients were 5.417 times more at risk of lower life quality compared to others. ConclusionDepression can lead to low quality of life among HIV patients. The findings suggest that there is a need for the development of intervention programs that address the psychological and social needs of PLHIV or support them to cope with depression and the social stigma facing them. Support from families and health workers can help them cope with psychological and social challenges faced by PLHIV and increase community acceptance of PLHIV.