Determinants of quality of life in black African women with HIV living in London

A major sub-population of people with HIV in the UK comes from Sub-Saharan Africa, a high proportion being refugees. Some evidence from previous literature points to different determinants and lower levels of quality of life for women with HIV as compared to men. This study examined quality of life and its determinants in a sample of black African women with HIV living in London. Participants were 56 women who completed questionnaires on demographics, HIV impact, coping style (problem-focused and wishful thinking) and social support. The majority were single parents, had arrived in the UK within the last ten years and were unemployed. Compared to two samples of women with HIV (London and Montreal), reported HIV-related mental health impact was significantly higher and physical (but not mental) health-related quality of life were significantly lower. Both physical and mental health-related quality of life were significantly lower than UK norms for other people (men and women) with chronic illnesses. In hierarchical multiple regression, better mental health-related quality of life was predicted by practical coping style and higher social support. This sub-group of the HIV population appears to be in particularly great need for social support and services.