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Abstract
This study assesses changes in quality of life (QoL) over time among HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and evaluates how this relates to ART adherence. Prospective, longitudinal data were examined from 1050 participants in two large, randomized, multi-centre antiretroviral clinical trials. QoL was assessed by the SF-12; adherence by the Terry Beirn Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS Antiretroviral Medication Self-report. Participants included 20% women, 53% African Americans, 16% Latinos; mean age was 39 years; mean baseline CD4+ cell count 230 cells/mm3; 89% were ART-naïve at entry. Baseline physical and mental health summary QoL scores were 45.4 and 42.9, comparable to scores reported in other advanced HIV populations. Significant improvements in mean QoL scores were seen for the group as a whole after 1 to 4 months on new ART regimens, and persisted for 12 months. Participants reporting 100% ART adherence achieved significantly higher QoL scores at 12 months compared to those with poorer adherence, particularly if 100% adherence was consistent (p<0.001). Those with at least 80% ART adherence had smaller gains in QoL at 12 months when compared to baseline, while those with <80% adherence had worsening of QoL. In this analysis, ART adherence was associated with improved QoL, particularly if adherence was sustained.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH grants 5U01AI042170-10 and 5U01AI046362-03, and in part by grants U01A127668 and U01AI38858). Appropriate informed consent was obtained and clinical research was conducted in accordance with guidelines for the protection of human subjects (45 CFR 46).