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Sex differences in health-related quality of life and poverty risk among older people living with HIV in Spain: A cross-sectional study

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  • Néstor Nuño
  • Alberto Martínez
  • Susana Martínez
  • Marta Cobos
  • Juan Sebastián Hernández
  • Rosa Polo

Abstract

Background: Current antiretroviral therapies have increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV). There is, however, limited evidence regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and living conditions of older people living with HIV (OPLHIV) in Spain. Methods: We implemented a self-administered online questionnaire to identify sex differences in HRQoL and poverty risk among Spanish OPLHIV (PLHIV ≥50 years). Participants were contacted through non-governmental organisations. We used the standardised WHOQoL-HIV BREF questionnaire and the Europe 2020 guidelines to estimate HRQoL and poverty risk respectively. The statistical analysis included multivariable generalised linear models with potential confounding variables and robust estimates. Results: The study included 247 OPLHIV (192 men and 55 women). On the WHOQoL-HIV BREF questionnaire, men scored higher on 84% of items and in all six domains. Women had significantly lower HRQoL in five domains: physical health (β: -1.5; 95% CI: -2.5, -0.5; p: 0.002), psychological health (β: -1.0; 95% CI: -1.9, -0.1; p: 0.036), level of independence (β: -1.1; 95% CI: -1.9, -0.2; p: 0.019), environmental health (β: -1.1; 95% CI: -1.8, -0.3; p: 0.008), and spirituality/personal beliefs (β: -1.4; 95% CI: -2.5, -0.3; p: 0.012). No statistical differences were found in the domain of social relations. Poverty risk was considerable for both men (30%) and women (53%), but women were significantly more likely to experience it (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.3, 6.5; p: 0.009). Conclusion: The aging of PLHIV is a public health concern. Our findings indicate that HRQoL and poverty risk among Spanish OPLHIV differ significantly by sex. Spain should, therefore, implement specific policies and interventions to address OPLHIV needs. The strategies must place a high priority on the reduction of sex inequalities in HRQoL and the enhancement of the structural conditions in which OPLHIV live.

Suggested Citation

  • Néstor Nuño & Alberto Martínez & Susana Martínez & Marta Cobos & Juan Sebastián Hernández & Rosa Polo, 2024. "Sex differences in health-related quality of life and poverty risk among older people living with HIV in Spain: A cross-sectional study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(5), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0301335
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301335
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christine S Autenrieth & Eduard J Beck & Dominik Stelzle & Christoforos Mallouris & Mary Mahy & Peter Ghys, 2018. "Global and regional trends of people living with HIV aged 50 and over: Estimates and projections for 2000–2020," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(11), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Angel de la Fuente, 2021. "The economic consequences of Covid in Spain and how to deal with them," Applied Economic Analysis, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 29(85), pages 90-104, March.
    3. Luz María Peña Longobardo & Juan Oliva-Moreno, 2018. "Differences in labour participation between people living with HIV and the general population: Results from Spain along the business cycle," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(4), pages 1-13, April.
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