Abstract:
To assess the self care and quality of life of AIDS patients in Dramaraksananivesana project, Lop Buri province. The study was conducted between December 2004-January 2005. The studied samples were 169 AIDS patients. Data were collected by using questionnaire interviews about general information, self care and Medical Outcome Study 36: MOS 36 item. Short form: SF-36 (MOS-SF 36). The results showed that most of the AIDS patients were male (71%), the median age was 36 years, 34.3% were married, 43.8% completed primary school. 71% of risk behavior for HIV acquisition were heterosexual, the median duration of care in Dramaraksananivesana project was 5 months and 78.1% were currently taking antiretroviral drugs. 87.6% of studied subjects had good level of self care. There were statistically significant associations (p-value<0.05) between previous occupation, previous income, physical illness, acceptance of family member and care from health personnel. 65.7% had low quality of life. There were statistically significant associations (p-value<0.05) between physical illness, previous household and care from health personnel. It was also found that there was statistically significant association (p-value<0.05) between self care and quality of life. The results of this study may be served as baseline information about the level of self care and quality of life of the AIDS patients and applied for optimizing the service system for health promotion and appropriate treatment for AIDS patients in Thailand