Quality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS and antiretroviral therapy

ality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS and antiretroviral therapy Review (3299) Total Article Views Authors: Oguntibeju OO Published Date August 2012 Volume 2012:4 Pages 117 - 124 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S32321 Received: 27 March 2012 Accepted: 20 April 2012 Published: 07 August 2012 Oluwafemi O Oguntibeju Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa Abstract: The development of antiretroviral drugs has significantly changed the perception of HIV/AIDS from a very fatal to a chronic and potentially manageable disease, and the availability and administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced mortality and morbidity associated with HIV and AIDS. There is a relationship between ART and quality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS, and several studies have reported a strong positive association between ART and improved quality of life in different domains among people living with HIV and AIDS in both developed and developing countries. However, a few studies have reported on the negative effects of ART, which directly or indirectly relate to the quality of life and longevity of HIV-infected persons. In this review, the effects and benefits of ART on people living with HIV and AIDS based on studies done in developed and developing countries is examined.