| dc.description.abstract | Alcohol abuse is linked to many harmful consequences for the individual and society as a whole and for others in the drinker's environment. Alcohol abuse is prevalent among HIV-infected individuals, and is associated with adverse health effects. Patients with HIV infection and a history of alcohol abuse may be at a higher risk for cognitive problems than HIV -positive patients with no alcohC?1 abuse history.This study seeks to determine the impact of alcohol abuse on the quality of life among HIV I AIDS infected individuals in Kibera, Kenya.
Objective
The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of alcohol abuse on quality of life among patients living with HIV/AIDS and how it affects their physical, social and psychological well being.
Study site
The study was carried out at the SAPTA (Support for addiction prevention and treatment in Africa) Kibera centre. This is a community based organization located in a socio economic deprived area of Nairobi city. SAPTA provides alcohol/drugs and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services to the Kibera community for individuals who are affected and are at risk of substance abuse problems and their families. It has an outreach program to assist people living with HIV/AIDS who either have an alcohol or drug problems.
Methodology
This study used a case-control study method to achieve the research objectives. The target population for this study was people living with HIV I AIDS enrolled at the SAPT A centre in Kibera, Kenya. There were two groups of respondents obtained from SAPTA. The first group composed of PL WHA and do not engage in alcohol abuse (Control Group). These respondents were obtained from Post Test Clubs (PTCs) at SAPTA Kibera Centre. The second group was composed of PL WHA and are taking alcohol (PPTA). A total of 204 participants were approached and 180 of them met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was researcher
administered and was collected using three instruments namely; Socio-demographic Questionnaire, AUDIT and WHO Quality of life tools.
Data analysis
The data collected was checked and coded with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0. The study population was described using socio-demographic and economic factors summarised into means and percentages. The WHO standard questionnaire for measuring quality of life was analysed using a standard method of analysis developed by the WHO. The association between the alcohol abuse and quality was analysed using Chi-square and Student's t test for categorical and continuous variables respectively. Estimation of risks of lower quality of life was done using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Factors independently associated with alcohol abuse were determined using logistic regression analysis. All the statistical tests were performed at 5% level of significance (pSO.05). The study results and findings were presented in tables, charts and figures for clarity.
Results
Two hundred and four (204) HIV+ clients were enrolled in this study of whom 92 abused alcohol (cases) and 90 were non-users of alcohol (controls). The two groups were similar in demographic factors and socio-economic status. Self reported illness was found to be more common among the non-users of alcohol (88.9%) than the alcohol abusers (71.1%), X2=8.889, dfl, P=0.003. Alcohol abusers considered their quality of life to be average (53.3%) as compared to 52.2% of the non-users who thought theirs was bad. Quality of life was lower among the alcohol abusers in relation to physical health, psychological wellbeing, social relationships and environment. However, statistically significant differences was found on physical health (t=-3.071, dfl78, P=0.008), social relationships (t=-2.754, dfl78, P=0.006) and environment (t=-2.375, dfl77, P=0.019). Individual perception on quality of life and physical health was found to be independently associated with alcohol abuse among the PL WHA.
Conclusion
Alcohol abuse among the PL WHA has negative effects on the quality of life. Physical health
and environment domains of an individual's life are affected by abuse of alcohol. Also, alcohol abusers had lower rating on their psychological wellbeing and social relationships which is
attributable to the habit of alcohol abuse. | en_US |
