Using PozQoL

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Process for using PozQoL

IMPORTANT: PozQoL should only be used with people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Using PozQoL involves:

  1. Administering PozQoL: Asking one or more PLHIV to complete the scale
  2. Calculating scores: Using their responses to calculate quality of life scores
  3. Interpreting scores: Understanding what these scores are telling you
  4. Using scores: Using this information to inform your work with (a) individuals or (b) groups

📚 Related resource: PozQoL Implementation Kit (pdf download)


The PozQoL scale

The PozQoL scale is a validated quality of life (QoL) scale. It has 13 items that assess four (4) QoL domains.

These items and domains were specifically designed for measuring QoL of people living with HIV (PLHIV).

As such, it is not appropriate to use PozQoL for measuring QoL of people who do not have HIV.


PozQoL domains and items

Each item is a statement about how a PLHIV feels with respect to some aspect of the domain of QoL being measured. Respondents are asked to indicate how strongly they agree (or disagree) with each statement.

The QoL domains and the items used to assess each of them are outlined below. The colours used here is the same as those used in the downloadable versions of the PozQoL scale.

Psychological domain — mood and outlook about one’s self, life, and future

  • I am enjoying life.
  • I feel good about myself as a person.
  • I feel in control of my life.
  • I am optimistic about my future.

Social domain — relationships with other people, and sense of belonging and support

  • I lack a sense of belonging with people around me.
  • I am afraid that people may reject me when they learn I have HIV.
  • I feel that HIV limits my personal relationships.

Health concerns domain — health management and health-related concerns

  • I worry about my health.
  • I worry about the impact of HIV on my health.
  • I fear the health effects of HIV as I get older.

Functional domain — independence and living with HIV

  • I feel that HIV prevents me from doing as much as I would like.
  • Having HIV limits my opportunities in life.
  • Managing HIV wears me out.