Quality of life and well-being in HIV patients
Researchers from University of Zurich in Switzerland report that cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) improved both.
First, the details.
- 104 HIV-infected persons were treated with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).
- Each person had CD4 cell counts greater than 100 cells/mm3
- They were randomly assigned to group sessions of CBSM lasting 2 hours every week or to standard medical care for 12 months.
And, the results.
- 77 people completed the study.
- The CBSM group showed significant benefits in quality of life scores, physical health, mental health, and depression compared to the standard medical care group.
- No differences were found between groups in CD4 cell count and viral load.
- There was no difference in drug adherence between the groups.
The bottom line?
As expected, the authors concluded, CBSM training of HIV-infected persons did not change the response to HIV/AIDS treatment. But, “cART has lasting effects on quality of life and psychological well-being.”
6/4/08 20:52 JR