Aim To assess the quality of life (QOL) of PLHIV and to identify the factors influencing their QOL.

Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 PLHIV aged 18 years and above, attending ART centre of Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru, India from April to December 2014. Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. After obtaining a written informed consent, PLHIV were interviewed using WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire to assess their QOL. Data was entered in, and analysed using SPSS version 16.

Results The mean scores (SD) across the six domains of QOL were physical- 16.37 (2.18); psychological- 12.40 (2.02); level of independence- 13.56 (2.28); social relationship- 12.19 (1.69); environment- 12.37 (2.03) and spirituality- 12.42 (2.23). A statistically significant difference was observed between the various domain scores of QOL (psychological; level of independence; social relationship; environment and spirituality) with socio economic status (SES) of PLHIV (P < 0.05) except the physical domain (P > 0.05). A significant difference was also observed between psychological domain of QOL among PLHIV and the presence of opportunistic infection. (P = 0.028)

Conclusion In our study, poor SES and presence of opportunistic infection have an adverse effect on QOL among PLHIV receiving ART.