Quality of life and its associated factors among adult PLWHA on ART in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon

Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remain a major global health challenge. This study assessed the quality of life and its associated factors among people living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (PLWHA) on antiretroviral therapy in two treatment centers in the South West Region of Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 464 PLWHA on ART at two treatment centers in the Fako Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon, from June 2024 to August 2024. Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life brief questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Data was analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at a p-value <0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Participants’ mean age was 48.8 ± 11.7 years and 79.5% were female. Most had been on ART for ≥3 years (92.2%) and were virally undetectable (85.8%). Mean domain scores were highest for physical health (72.93 ± 12.79) and psychological health (70.55 ± 13.35), and lowest for social relationships (62.03 ± 16.83) and environmental health (64.24 ± 11.08). The mean overall QOL score was 269.75 ± 42.58. In multivariable analysis, lower overall QOL scores was associated with older age, primary education, and monthly income <100 USD, while higher overall QOL scores was associated with being married/divorced, absence of HIV-related symptoms, and absence of depression. QOL among PLWHA on ART in Fako Division was moderate-to-good, with the social and environmental domains most affected. Socioeconomic vulnerability, aging, depressive symptoms, and clinical symptom burden were key determinants, underscoring the need to integrate mental health screening and support, strengthen symptom management, and address socioeconomic barriers within HIV care.