The needs of people with HIV in the UK: findings from a national survey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the needs of people living with HIV in the UK. A questionnaire addressing 17 areas of need was completed by 1821 people living with HIV in the UK. The core need indicator was a personal assessment of happiness with current state. A quarter of all respondents were happy with their current state across all needs. For each need, the following proportions were unhappy with their current state: sex, 40%; anxiety/depression, 33%; sleep, 32%; self-confidence, 32%; money, 28%; household chores and self-care, 18%; housing, 18%; appetite, eating and drinking, 17%; friendships, 17%; discrimination, 16%; mobility, 15%; dealing with health professionals, 15%; relationships, 14%; drugs and alcohol, 9%; taking treatments regularly, 5%; HIV treatment knowledge, 4%; looking after children, 2%. Although some people with HIV are coping well with minimal unmet need, the overall picture of need is dominated by personal, social and economic issues.