Quality of life and related factors among adults exposed to human immunodeficiency virus

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exposure, whether through unsafe sexual behaviors or accidental contact with HIV-infected sources, poses significant health risks. Individuals exposed to HIV often experience stress, anxiety, and adverse effects from antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, all of which may affect their quality of life (QoL). Despite this, research on QoL outcomes among individuals undergoing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) remains limited. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate changes in QoL and identify related factors among HIV-exposed adults. This study assessed mean QoL scores at two time points (T1: after HIV exposure and T2: after 28 days of prophylaxis), evaluated score changes, and identified associations with individual characteristics, social stigma, and psychological trauma. Methods: A total of 190 participants were enrolled using purposive convenience sampling at a tropical diseases hospital in Ho Chi Minh City from March to June 2023; 167 completed follow-up after 28 days of PEP. The Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) was used to assess QoL at baseline (T1) and after 28 days (T2). Linear regression was used to explore associations between QoL and HIV stigma, psychiatric disturbance, and sex. Results: Participants had a mean age of 31.3±9.5 years, and 78.4% were male. The mean QoL scores were 50.8 at T1 and 50.9 at T2, with no significant change (P=0.38). However, significant negative correlations were observed between QoL and HIV stigma (T1: β=−0.192, P<0.001; T2: β=−0.215, P=0.001), psychiatric disturbance (T1: β=−2.640, P=0.005; T2: β=−4.955, P<0.001), and female sex (T1: β=2.030, P=0.02; T2: β=2.139, P=0.02). Conclusions: The QoL of HIV-exposed adults did not significantly improve after 28 days of PEP. Psychological distress, stigma, and female sex were associated with lower QoL. These findings suggest the need for mental health support, stigma reduction, and targeted interventions—particularly for women—during and after PEP.