'What doesn't kill you...': A qualitative analysis of factors impacting the quality of life of people living with HIV.

Ballesty, Kate L; Newton-John, Toby RO; Hennessy, Ruth M; Alperstein, Dion M; Begley, Kim; Bulsara, Shiraze M

Despite viral suppression, people living with HIV (PLHIV) report lower quality of life (QoL) than the general population, negatively impacting treatment adherence and wellbeing. This qualitative study explored factors influencing QoL of PLHIV. Participants completed a QoL questionnaire, with cut-off scores used to allocate participants into Low-Moderate QoL (n = 11) or High-Very High QoL (n = 10) focus groups. Thematic analysis indicated convergence across factors perceived to impact QoL, with some notable discrepancies. Socioeconomic stability, social connection and support, maintaining good health, adaptive attitudes and reduced impact of stigma were perceived to improve QoL, while obstacles to connection, ageing and poor HIV literacy in the general population were perceived to worsen QoL in both groups. The Low-Moderate QoL group alone identified socioeconomic stressors and ongoing burden of negative life experiences worsened their QoL. Results are presented in the context of local and global HIV health strategies, with implications for clinical management noted.

AUSTRALIA; HEALTH literacy; CULTURAL identity; RESEARCH funding; QUALITATIVE research; FOCUS groups; HEALTH attitudes; QUESTIONNAIRES; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; PSYCHOLOGY of HIV-positive persons; THEMATIC analysis; QUALITY of life; AGING; SOCIAL skills; HEALTH behavior; SOCIAL support; INTERPERSONAL relations; COVID-19 pandemic; SOCIAL stigma; TRANSCULTURAL medical care; SOCIAL classes

Journal of Health Psychology, 2025, Vol 30, Issue 1, p17

1359-1053

Academic Journal

10.1177/13591053241235091