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Quality of life refers to many facets of life;
it includes among others physical, emotional, spiritual and
social well being. Quality of life therefore will means different
things to different people. It is something personal that only
the individual can define for him or herself.
There are different methods to evaluate quality
of life. The WHO asses’ quality of life along 6 broad
domains, these are:
1. Physical Health
2. Psychological Health
3. Level of Independence
4. Social Relations
5. Environmental
6. Spirituality/Religion/Personal beliefs |
The aim of any good treatment is to achieve
significant improvement on the disease process thereby allowing
the individual to regain/improve on their level of functioning
along the 6 broad domains.
It is important to note that many factors
contribute to a good quality of life.
| Treatment even with antiretroviral
on its own is not sufficient. Good and supportive family
and workplace relationships, non-discriminatory social environment,
food security, good self esteem and a positive outlook to
life all contribute towards achievement of a good quality
of life. At a personal level one has to try and cultivate
supportive relationships and have a positive outlook to
life. It is important that any workplace programs therefore
have to incorporate these aspects. |
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