Factors that influence the quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS attended on the specialized brazilian service

Objective: To verify the factors that influence the quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS attended on the public service of reference in Brazil. Methods: People were interviewed about social and demographic status, aspects related to HIV and habits. The quality of life was measured using the HAT-QoL instrument containing 42 items divided on 9 domains: General Activity, Sexual life, worries with secrecy, worries with health, financial worries, awareness about HIV, life satisfaction, questions about medicine and trust in the doctor. The oral health data were collected based on DMF-T Index, the use and necessity of prosthesis and Periodontal Index, according to World Health Organization's criteria, performed by a trained researcher. Results: Among total, 53.1% were women with the average 42 years-old. Just 53.1% had 8 years or less of schooling, 20.3% were not employed. In relation to Quality of Life analysis the domain of HAT-Qol that showed the lowest average was financial worries (39.4), followed by worries with secrecy (43.2), sexual life (55.2) and worries with health (62.8%). There was association between the worst status of quality of life and the follow variables: no registered work (p<0.001), to be black or mixed (p=0.045), to consume alcoholic drinks (p=0.041), to do not use the antiretroviral therapy (p=0.006), high levels of virus (p=0.035) and the necessity of dental prosthesis (p=0.025). Conclusions: Social, economic and health inappropriate status showed a negative impact on quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS.