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. 2023 Sep 13;21(1):106.
doi: 10.1186/s12955-023-02185-z.

Evaluation of a peer intervention project in the hospital setting to improve the health-related quality of life of recently diagnosed people with HIV infection

M J Fuster-RuizdeApodaca  1   2 , D Pérez-Garín  3 , V Baceiredo  4   5 , A Laguía  1 , J García Carrillo  5   6 , R García  5   7 , D García  5
Affiliations

Evaluation of a peer intervention project in the hospital setting to improve the health-related quality of life of recently diagnosed people with HIV infection

M J Fuster-RuizdeApodaca et al. Health Qual Life Outcomes. .

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess the impact of a peer intervention programme in the hospital setting to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people recently diagnosed with HIV infection.

Methods: A quasi-experimental single-group study with pre- and post-measurements was conducted. The peer intervention programme consisted of four sessions that took place at the following times: (1) the day of diagnosis, (2) the day when the results of the analyses were collected and ART (antiretroviral therapy) began, (3) one month after the start of ART, and (4) four months after the start of ART. The dependent variables were HRQoL and several of its psychological predictors. Change in the dependent variables was analysed through repeated measures, variance analysis and covariance analysis. Forty-three people with HIV participated in the intervention (40 men, mean age = 39.14).

Results: A significant positive evolution was found in all the predictors of HRQoL, except avoidant coping (p < .05). A positive evolution was also found in all HRQoL dimensions (p < .05). There was a significant increase in CD4 cells/mm3 lymphocytes (p < .0001) and in the CD4/CD8 ratio (p < .001). The positive differential scores in the psychological health and social relationship dimensions influenced the increase in CD4 cells/mm3 lymphocytes (p = .012, p = .13). The increase in the social relations dimension score and overall health perception influenced the recovery of the CD4/CD8 ratio (p = .044; p = .068).

Conclusions: Peer intervention improved the HRQoL of people recently diagnosed with HIV, and enhanced psychological health and social relationships covariate with their immunological recovery. This study represents an essential advance in evaluating peer intervention programmes for positive prevention.

Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy; HIV; Health-related quality of life; Peer intervention; WHOQOL-HIV-BREF.

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Conflict of interest statement

This work was supported by a Positive Action Europe grant awarded by ViiV Healthcare. Maria J. Fuster-RuizdeApodaca has received consultancy fees from Gilead, Janssen, MSD, ViiV, GSK, and Theratechnologies, and has received payments for lectures or educational presentations from Gilead, Janssen, MSD, and ViiV. D. Pérez-Garín and A. Laguía declare they have no competing interest. Adhara/Sevilla Checkpoint association receives non-conditioned funds for consulting and research from Gilead, Janssen, MSD, ViiV, and Theratechnologies.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Evolution of the dimensions of HRQoL during the peer intervention. SRPB: spirituality, religion, and personal beliefs
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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