Perceived health-related quality of life in people living with HIV co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 in France

Purpose: We aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) and its correlates among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 in France.

Methods: This cross-sectional was study conducted among PLWHA co-infected with SARS-CoV-2. HRQL was measured using the four dimensions of the PROQOL-HIV scale. Factors associated with each dimension were identified using linear regression.

Results: mean (SD) scores for HRQL dimensions: 76.7 (± 21.1) for Physical Health and Symptoms (PHS), 79.2 (± 23.6) for Social Relationships (SR), 67.3 (± 27.4) for Mental and Cognitive (MC), and 83.9 (± 16.5) for Treatment Impact (TI). Employment status and COVID-19 knowledge were associated with higher PHS score, while blood transfusion-acquired HIV, CDC HIV, hospital discharge instructions, and self-reported symptoms were associated with lower PHS score. Couple status was associated with higher SR score, whereas, hospital discharge instructions, CDC HIV stage C, drug injection-acquired HIV, self-reported symptoms, and COVID-19 vulnerability perception were associated with lower SR score. Employment status and French birth were associated with higher MC score, while female sex, detectable HIV viral load, hospital discharge instructions, COVID-19 vulnerability perception, smoking, and self-reported symptoms were associated with lower MC score. French birth and homosexual/bisexual relationships-acquired HIV were associated with higher TI score, while detectable HIV viral load, psychiatric disorders, and self-reported symptoms were associated with lower TI score CONCLUSION: Among PLWHA co-infected with SARS-CoV-2, the scores of HRQL were impaired, particularly in the MC dimension. Findings underscore the multidimensional nature of HRQL, with notable variations across different dimensions. Understanding these correlates is crucial for tailored interventions aimed at improving the well-being of this population.