Browsing by Author "Ochieng, Titus"

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Perceived quality of life and associated lifestyle practices among older people living with HIV in Uganda. a cross‑sectional study
(Springer, 2025-09-03) Atuhairwe, Christine; Misinde, Cyprian; Ochieng, Titus; Atuhaire, Leonard
Perceived quality of life (QoL) is a critical element for older persons living with HIV-positive diagnosis. The intersection of aging, chronic illness, and the complexities of managing HIV significantly influences their quality of life. This study investigated the relationship between perceived QoL and lifestyle factors among older adults living with HIV in Uganda. This cross-sectional survey was conducted with older adults (above 50 years) living with HIV attending The AIDS Support Organization centres across the major regions in Uganda. Data were cleaned and analyzed using STATA 15, with modified Poisson regression assessing factors associated with perceived quality of life. A total of 440 participants were interviewed. While 52% reported poor perceived quality of life before initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), this decreased to 35% after ART initiation. This suggests a substantial improvement in the health of older adults living with HIV. Before ART initia tion, poor quality of life was significantly associated with being aged 60 years or older (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.17, 95% CI 0.94-1.46), adhering to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) faith (aRR 1.89, 95% CI 1.12-3.21), being a casual labourer (aRR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.94), being married (aRR 0.65, 95% CI 0.42-1.01), having one sexual partner (aRR 1.50, 95% CI 1.16-1.93), alcohol consumption (aRR 0.71, 95% CI 0.15-0.85), infrequent fruit consumption (aRR 1.75, 95% CI 0.99 3.09), consuming white meat 1-3 times per week (aRR 1.61, 95% CI 1.23-2.10), engaging in sports 4-7 days per week (aRR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.75), walking 4-7 days per week (aRR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62-1.00), and having diabetes (aRR 1.57, 95% CI 1.13-2.19). After ART initiation, poor quality of life remained significantly associated with being 60 years or older (aRR 1.34, 95% CI 0.98-1.83) and being a salaried employee (aRR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21-0.81). Additionally, frequent white meat consumption (4-7 days per week) (aRR 2.01, 95% CI 1.18-3.42) and moderate sports engagement (1-3 days per week) (aRR 1.94, 95% CI 1.47-2.55) were significantly associated with poorer quality of life after ART initiation. No significant asso ciations were observed with other variables. Perceived quality of life in older persons living with HIV was poorer among those aged over 60 years. The risk of poor QoL was lower among those who eat white meat and participate in sports weekly. Increasing physical activity through regular exercise routines in older adults can help reduce the risk of age-related diseases, improve energy levels, reduce stress, enhance appetite and sleep quality, boost cardiovascular and pulmonary endurance, and enhance overall quality of life.
Predictors of survival among older adults with HIV in Uganda’s AIDS support organization centers of excellence (1987 2023): a retrospective longitudinal study
(Springer Nature Link, 2025-02-26) Atuhairwe, Christine; Atuhaire, Leonard; Wandera, Ojambo Stephen; Amongin, Dinah; Ochieng, Titus; Misinde, Cyprian
The growing number of older adults living with HIV, facilitated by wider access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), presents unique challenges. This study aims to identify predictors of survival among older persons living with HIV receiving ART in Uganda’s AIDS Support Organization Centers of Excellence (1987–2023). Understanding these predictors can inform effective clinical interventions to improve outcomes for this population. This study conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records from 11 TASO centers of excellence in Uganda (1987–2023). Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we identified factors associated with survival among older adults living with HIV. TASO centers of excellence in Entebbe, Gulu, Jinja, Masaka, Masindi, Mbale, Mbarara, Mulago, Rukungiri, Soroti, and Tororo. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified factors influencing survival among older persons living with HIV (OPLHIV). Of the 30,758 OPLHIV medical records analyzed (1987–2023), 72.5% were active on ART, 5.9% had died, 15.2% were lost to follow-up, and 5.6% transferred to other facilities. Survival was significantly associated with: gender (female, HR = 1.19, p < 0.001), marital status (married, HR = 0.99, p < 0.001; separated/divorced, HR = 0.85, p < 0.001), WHO clinical stage (II, HR = 1.66, p < 0.001), viral load (> 200 copies/ml, HR = 1.49, p < 0.001), and ART adherence (fair, HR = 0.94, p = 0.157). Key predictors of survival among Older Adults Living with HIV (OPLHIV) include: female gender, age 50–59, weight 51–70 kg, married status, viral load > 200 copies/ml, WHO HIV clinical stage II, paid employment, and ART adherence. To improve survival outcomes, consistent clinical screenings of WHO clinical stages, viral load, and ART adherence are essential. These measures can guide healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions to enhance survival and quality of life for OPLHIV in Uganda. Strengthen routine monitoring of viral load, ART adherence, and WHO clinical staging. Provide targeted support to married and separated/divorced adults to improve their survival chances. Address gender disparities in care to enhance outcomes for females. Focus on maintaining ART adherence and viral suppression to reduce mortality risks.