DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i06.016

Pages: 966-970

Background: Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection has become a chronic disease whose management no longer relies solely on virological control but also incorporates the assessment of patients’ quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLHIV) followed at the Moulay El Mehdi Centre Hospitalier Régional (CHR) in Laâyoune and to identify the most affected domains. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 9 months, involving 300 patients followed for HIV infection at the Moulay El Mehdi CHR in Laâyoune. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-HIV BREF scale, covering six domains: physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationships, environment, and spirituality/personal beliefs. Scores were expressed on a scale of 4 to 20. Results: The predominant age range was 25 to 45 years, with a male predominance. The majority of patients were married (60%) and of low socioeconomic status (77%). The mean duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was 7 years, with an undetectable viral load in 89% of patients. The mean CD4 lymphocyte count ranged between 170 and 280 cells/mm³. WHO clinical stage A or B was found in 76% of patients. The highest mean quality of life scores were observed in the physical (18.7/20) and social (18.1/20) domains, followed by the environmental domain (16.9/20) and the level of independence (17.6/20). The psychological domain showed a more moderate score (14.8/20), notably marked by low self-esteem (55%). Despite apparently good social inclusion (98%) and good family relationships (76%), the majority of patients concealed their HIV status from those around them for fear of stigma. Conclusion: Patients followed at the Moulay El Mehdi CHR in Laâyoune generally show good physical and functional quality of life, related to virological success and free access to care. However, the psychological dimension, particularly