A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON QUALITY OF LIFE OF PLHIV AND THEIR PSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a chronic disease of immune system caused by infection with human immune deficiency virus (HIV). It gradually weakens immune system by destroying the CD4 T- lymphocytes (CD4 cells) leaving the body vulnerable to life-threatening opportunistic infection and malignancies. Around 38.0 million people were living with HIV (PLHIV) worldwide. India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world having 0.22% HIV prevalence among the adults in 2017 whereas West Bengal having prevalence of 0.21%.