Perceived quality of life and its optimal drivers in people living with HIV, beyond HIV viral suppression in South Africa

Viral load suppression is the goal in current HIV treatment efforts. This was a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study of 41 purposively selected adult participants, achieved through data saturation. Guided in-depth interviews were conducted to subjectively evaluate QOL and its related drivers among virally suppressed PLHIV in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes emerging from the interview responses. Participants consistently evaluated their QOL as improved, acceptable, or excellent, based on their psychological, physical and social wellbeing. Commonly cited drivers for the perceived QOL were positive social relationships, better access to healthcare services and positive self-efficacy, whilst perceived benefits of ART adherence and viral suppression were improved productivity and increased life expectancy. Multidisciplinary interventions are worthwhile where policies and programs must deliberately seek to address QOL determinants and aspirations of PLHIV, apart from targeting viral suppression through medications alone.