Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disproportionately affects populations depending on countries. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region. Antiretroviral therapy is a key element for increasing life expectancy of infected people with a better quality of life (QoL). Regardless of this treatment, the QoL of these populations is often influenced by various sociodemographic factors. Several authors have reported links between sociodemographic characteristics and QoL in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, in Benin, sociodemographic characteristics associated with QoL in HIV-infected people, are not well documented. Determining these factors will help to predict QoL of Beninese PLWH.

Purpose: To determine sociodemographic characteristics associated with QoL of Beninese PLWH.

Methods: Fifty-six subjects (41 females, mean age±SD: 38.6±8.5 years old) living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy were recruited in Benin. Sociodemographic characteristics data (sex, age, body mass index, educational level, marital status, HIV status, symptoms, time since HIV diagnosis, and route of infection) were recorded. To assess QoL, we used the french version of WHOQoL-HIV developed by Reychler G. and al. (2013). This instrument explores six domains of QoL: physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationships, environment and spirituality. Answers are rated on a five-point Likert scale scored from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate better QoL. Sociodemographic data were presented by means and standard deviations or in percentage. Multiple linear regressions were performed to determine sociodemographic characteristics (independent variables) associated with QoL domains (dependent variables).

Results: Age appeared to be associated with five WHOQoL-HIV domains, namely physical (β = 0.38; p <0.05), psychological (β = 0.44; p < 0.05), level of independence (β = 0.56; p < 0.001), environment (β = 0.45; p < 0.01), spirituality (β = 0.41; p < 0.01). Marital status appeared to be associated with five domains namely physical domain (β = -0.39; p < 0.05), psychological domain (β = -0.45; p < 0.001), level of independence domain (β = -0.44; p < 0.001), environment domain (β = -0.27; p < 0.05), spirituality domain (β = -0.03; p <0.05). Finally, route of infection appeared to be associated with two WHOQoL-HIV domains, namely Level of independence domain (β = -0.29; p < 0.05) and environment domain (β = -0.27; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Among sociodemographic characteristics assessed, age, marital status and route of infection were those associated with QoL of PLWH. Age is correlated with five WHOQoL-HIV domains (physical, psychological, level of independence, environment, and spirituality). The more marital status becomes divorced, separated or widowed, the more QoL deteriorates in physical, psychological, level of independence, environment and spirituality domains. The fact of not knowing the cause of contamination or knowing that one has been infected by blood contact and not by sexual way is related with poor QoL of PLWH in level of independence and environment domains.

Implications: The results obtained could help adjusting variables to be considered in future QoL prediction studies in Beninese PLWH.

Keywords: Sociodemographic characteristics, quality of life, HIV.

Ethics approval: This study was approved by CHUD-OP (N°1610/2014CHD-OP/DIR/SAAE/SAF/SG/DGAP/SA).