Quality of life among HIV-infected children in Thailand

Abstract

The aim of the study was to measure quality of life in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children. This is a cross-sectional study among main caregivers of human immunodeficiency virus-infected children. The questionnaire consisted of 5 main domains: general health, physical functioning, symptoms, psychological well being, and social and role functioning. A total of 131 main caregivers (21% males, average age 42.5 years) of human immunodeficiency virus-infected children (28% male, average age 10.1 years) answered the questionnaires. Four out of 5 domains showed that children without immune suppression had a significantly higher quality of life than children with immune suppression. There was a significant correlation between health care utility and physical functioning, symptoms, and social and role functioning. The instrument had acceptable internal consistency and was a feasible measure of quality of life among human immunodeficiency virus-infected children. The information obtained will enable health care providers to establish comprehensive health care services to serve the needs of these children and their families. © 2008 Sage Publications.