Gilead Sciences, Inc. announced results from an online survey that assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Taiwanwho are virally suppressed as compared to the general population. The data shows that those who are virally suppressed experience similar HRQOL as the general population and highlights the importance of evaluating an individual's quality of life, including both physical and mental health-related issues, beyond viral suppression. The findings will be presented at the virtual Asia-Pacific AIDS and Co-Infections Conference (APACC) 2022, taking place 16 June to 18 June.

The online survey interviewed 120 virally suppressed PLWH in Taiwan and compared their self-reported HRQOL with that of the general population. The study, conducted between July to October 2021, measured HRQOL according to the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, developed by EuroQOL, an international group of multidisciplinary researchers. The EQ-5D-5L is a standardized model that describes quality of life according to five dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression.

Respondents in the survey (n=120) generally reported high levels (median 80%) of self-perceived HRQOL. Detailed evaluation revealed discrepancies across different dimensions – higher level of HRQOL were reported in mobility, self-care and usual activities (such as carrying out duties at work, doing household chores and participating in leisure activities) while HRQOL were less optimal in the areas of pain/discomfort as well as anxiety/depression. Investigators believed that while some of these symptoms may be attributed to COVID-19, given the impact on mental wellness of the general population also reported during the pandemic, societal factors such as stigmatization in PLWH can affect mental well-being as more than two-thirds of respondents said they do not feel supported by society.