The associations among coping, nadir CD4+ T-cell count, and non-HIV-related variables with health-related quality of life among an ambulatory HIV-positive patient population

Purpose

We investigated HRQoL among HIV-positive outpatients from October, 2006-December, 2007, incorporating medical chart review, and a survey of coping styles.

Methods

Consented HIV-positive patients receiving medical care at University of Colorado Denver, with HAART as first antiretroviral regimen, completed the MOS-HIV and Brief COPE survey instruments. Linear regression identified a priori factors hypothesized to be associated with the MOS-HIV composite mental and physical health scores (MHS, PHS). Brief COPE survey maladaptive and adaptive coping components were added to the models and retained if significant.

Results

Among the 157 patient cohort, parsimonious multivariable linear regression models (P?Conclusions Factors independently associated with lower MHS and lower PHS include lower nadir CD4+ T-cell counts, and use of maladaptive coping. Efforts to reduce use of maladaptive coping strategies and earlier identification and treatment of HIV may improve HRQoL in HIV-positive patients.