Abstract
Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with HIV is crucial
to improve the psychosocial well-being of this vulnerable population.
The objective of this study was to assess the HRQoL of children with HIV infection
aged between 5 and 18 years. The study was conducted in 144 children with HIV attending
an antiretroviral therapy (ART) center in Karnataka to assess the HRQoL, using the
PedsQL questionnaire. Total 144 children were included in the study, who had HRQoL
with good physical (75.99 ± 13.46), psychosocial (71.01 ± 12.83), and total (72.43 ± 12.73)
scores according to the child's perspective. Number of boys and children raised in
foster homes were 51.3% (74) and 56% (81), respectively. Even though all children
had complete adherence and had a good immunologic and clinical profile, we found that
their HRQoL did not vary with stage of infection, duration of treatment, or immunologic
status. Our findings underscore the importance of family-centered care for children
living with HIV and advocate enhancing psychosocial and mental development to improve
the HRQoL of children.
Keywords
quality of life - pediatric HIV - psychosocial - physical