Anthropometric characteristics, quality of life and functional capacity in adults living with HIV in Puerto Rico
Open Access
- 30 September 2021
- journal article
- Published by Asian Research Association in International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports
- p. 114-123
- https://doi.org/10.34256/ijpefs21312
Abstract
Survival and longevity rates in people living with HIV (HIV+) have increased with the availability and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, despite the above HIV+ adults treated with ART have a higher risk of developing dyslipidemia and high waist circumference. In addition, they have lower cardiorespiratory fitness, loss of muscle mass, reduced balance, and reduced functional capacity, which affects their quality of life. To explore the impact of balance perception, treadmill time, grip strength, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) on quality of life in Latino Hispanic people living with HIV. This study recruited twenty-five participants from a community-based center, La Perla de Gran Precio, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the medical diagnosis of HIV. Descriptive measures were obtained for all variables of interest, and correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the associations between functional capacity, quality of life, and anthropometric measures. Result: Men had greater left- and right-hand grip strength than women (86.9±18.8, 56.9±26.8 kg; p=0.003 and 87.6±15.1 vs. 61.4±26.6 kg; p =0.004). Two anthropometric variables showed a trend toward a moderate positive correlation with quality of life: WHtR (r= -0.38, p =0.12) and BMI (r= -0.38, p = p-0.14). Although gender differences in upper body strength are expected, handgrip strength is within the gender-specific average range of the general population. The integration of anthropometric characteristics and upper body strength when prescribing exercise must be considered since these factors influence functional capacity and quality of life among HIV+ adults.Keywords
This publication has 29 references indexed in Scilit:
- Gender Differences in Health Related Quality of Life among People Living with HIV on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Mekelle Town, Northern EthiopiaBioMed Research International, 2015
- Hand grip strength and associated factors in non-institutionalised men and women 50 years and older in South AfricaBMC Research Notes, 2014
- Health-related quality of life and physical functioning in people living with HIV/AIDS: a case–control designHealth and Quality of Life Outcomes, 2013
- High frequency of poor locomotor performance in HIV-infected patientsAIDS, 2011
- Psychometric evaluation of the functional assessment of HIV Infection (FAHI) questionnaire and its usefulness in clinical trialsQuality of Life Research, 2010
- Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy modifies skeletal muscle composition and function: a study with monozygotic twin pairsJournal of Applied Physiology, 2009
- Do Men and Women with HIV Differ in Their Quality of Life? A Study from South IndiaAIDS and Behavior, 2008
- Reduced Aerobic Capacity and Physical Functioning in Older HIV-Infected MenAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 2006
- Assessment of quality of life among HIV-infected persons in Pune, IndiaQuality of Life Research, 2005
- Handgrip dynamometry in healthy adultsClinical Nutrition, 2005