OBJECTIVE: In the last few years, quality of life (QOL) in people living with HIV (PLWH) gained more attention. Moreover, reaching a good QOL was set up as a main goal for PLWH. Data on QOL of PLWH in Southern Italy are very scarce, as well as data on factors correlated with QOL, we aimed at evaluating QOL in PLWH in our region.

We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional study in a cohort of PLWH in the Calabria region (Southern Italy). This survey-based study was conducted in 7 centers of infectious and tropical disease in Southern Italy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We interviewed 309 patients, evaluating QOL through WHOQOLHIV-BREF questionnaire. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records.

RESULTS: Overall, only 56% of participants reported a good QOL. At the multivariable model, adjusted for a good health self-reported status, statistically significant associations between good QOL and being employed and doing regular physical exercise were found (p<0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). By contrast, a negative impact of psychiatric disorders, history of fractures, and black ethnicity on good self-reported health status was confirmed (p=0.04, <0.001 and p=0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study evaluating QOL in PLWH in Southern Italy. Routinely identifying factors negatively associated with good QOL may help clinicians in providing a better quality of care.