Age-related effects on symptom status and health-related quality of life in persons with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is linked to symptom status and may be related to age in HIV-positive persons. Data were collected in a multisite HIV-positive sample (N = 1,217) using an HIV-specific HRQOL and three symptom status instruments according to the Wilson and Cleary HRQOL model. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis found that younger age predicted higher sexual function (ΔR(2) = .12, p < .01) and older age predicted greater provider trust (ΔR(2) = .04, p < .01). No significant differences were found in symptom status or the other seven HRQOL dimensions. Although older HIV-positive persons reported more comorbidities, they did not report more symptoms.