Assessment of Satisfaction with Life among Elderly Patients Receiving HIV Care and Treatment in Mulago HIV Clinic: A Chronic Illness Quality of Life Model

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed at assessing satisfaction with life among elderly HIV patients attending Mulago HIV Clinic. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design carried out among elderly people (>50 years old) attending Mulago HIV clinic, as stated by the WHO standard age cut-off of >50 years. A random selection of 353 elderly HIV patients was made. The study collected quantitative data to assess patient satisfaction with life, Illness related to discrimination, Barriers to healthcare and social services, and Physical wellbeing, social support and coping using quantitative data collection techniques. Interview discussions were harnessed to obtain patients’ opinions and perceptions and then results grouped into themes. EPIDATA and STATA 14.2 statistical softwares were used for statistical analysis. Results: The study showed that only variables that were significantly associated at multivariate level are, disagreeing that other patients are seen before you when you are first to arrive, which had an odds ratio of 2.87, disagreeing that your employer can never promote you which had an odds ratio of 6.87 compared to agreeing, not being sure whether friend or family member cannot share room/utensil/clothes with you reduced the odds of being satisfied by 95% when compared to agreeing and disagreeing that friend or family member blames you for not getting better with an odds ratio of 5.65 compared to agreeing. Conclusion: This study unearthed existing gaps in levels of satisfaction. These shortfalls in the service delivery can be addressed according to the following recommendations below: Create a quick way for elderly patients to see a clinician and give them priority, provide more work-related support awareness programs; Put more efforts towards counselling care takers or family members who help them to adhere or socialize with them.