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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 9, Issue 1, November 2013 pp 20-23

Research Article

Effect of Lipodystrophy on Quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients: A cross sectional study in South India

Sudhir¹, Deepa.K.², Ashok N.C.³, Murali Dhar⁴

¹Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Adhichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G Nagar, Mandya District, Karnataka, INDIA.

²Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Mysore Medical College And Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, INDIA.

³Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, J.S.S Medical College, Mysore, Karnataka, INDIA.

⁴Associate Professor (Biostatistics), Department of Statistics, Manipal University Level 6, Health Sciences Library Building, Manipal, Karnataka. INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Background: Introduction of ART has initially improved the quality of life (QoL) of HIV positive patients, however body fat redistribution and metabolic disorders associated with long-term ART use may attenuate this improvement. As access to treatment improves in India, the disfiguring nature of lipodystrophy (peripheral atrophy and/or central adiposity) may deter treatment adherence  and decrease QoL. Objective: To study the relation between lipodystrophy and QoL in ART-treated HIV+ patients. Methodology: The study was conducted in January 2012 to August 2012. This cross sectional study was done in 1000 HIV/AIDS patients out of which 255 had lipodystrophy at ART centre K.R Hospital, Mysore. WHO-QOL-Brief a summarized quality of life questionnaire was used to assess the Quality of life. Physical examination was done to assess lipodystrophy. Statistical analysis was done using SYSTAT 13 software. To test the significance, t test was applied. Results: Out of 255 patients, who had lipodystrophy, 163 of them were male and 92 of them were females. Facial atrophy was more common among males and abdominal enlargement was found more commonly associated with females. The Quality of life score was found significantly less among HIV patients with lipodystrophy than those without. However CD4 count was found to be significantly higher in patients with lipodystrophy than those without. Conclusion: Body fat alterations negatively affect quality of life. These symptoms may result in stigmatization and marginalization and adversely affect ART adherence and treatment initiatives. Efforts to evaluate self-perceived body fat changes may improve patient’s wellbeing, ART adherence and treatment outcomes can contribute towards stability in quality of life continuum.