| Abstract: | Recent advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS have led to medical improvements for persons living with the virus. As a result, many now think of HIV infection as a chronic rather than a terminal illness. Along with this shift comes the understanding that individuals now live with treatments that require long-term adherence to regimens that are often complex, time consuming, and not without deleterious side effects. The greater life expectancy, nature of new treatments and their dependence on regimented adherence has recently led to the investigation of psychosocial variables loosely categorized as quality of life (QOL). Although there has been relatively little research on the topic in relation to new HIV therapies, what is known is that QOL--with all of its complications and dimensions--appears to play an essential role in HIV and HIV treatment. Moreover, QOL would seem to be a most worthwhile component to further investigations of improved therapies and betterment for the lives of infected individuals. The following literature review discusses these issues, highlights key research findings, and provides directions for further research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
