Prevalence and predictors of fatigue among people living with HIV in Northern and Southern Norway. From the cross-sectional study of mental health and quality of life among people living with HIV in Northern and Southern Norway, 2014-2015

Abstract

Fatigue is described as a sensation of tiredness and exhaustion that potentially interferes with daily life functioning, and is a common symptom in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aim is to investigate the prevalence and the predictors of fatigue among PLWH in Northern and Southern Norway. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two hospitals in 2014-2015. Fatigue was measured with the Chalder Fatigue scale, and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of fatigue. 244 patients; 94 fatigued (38.5%) and 150 non-fatigued; were included in the analysis. The final regression model consisted of ten covariates; age, gender, men who have sex with men, CD4+-count, cohabitation, education, multimorbidity, mental distress, bodily pain and trouble sleeping. The strongest predictors of fatigue were symptoms of anxiety and depression measured as presence of mental distress (aOR 8.98, 95% CI 3.81-21.15) and increased bodily pain on a scale from 0-10 (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.25-1.67). Other significant predictors were living alone (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.36-6.56), trouble sleeping (aOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.06-6.71) and multimorbidity (aOR 5.64, 95% CI 1.52-20.95). In conclusion the prevalence of fatigue among PLWH in Southern and Northern Norway is 38%, almost two times higher than the estimated prevalence in the Norwegian general population (22%). We identified mental distress, bodily pain, trouble sleeping, living alone and multimorbidity as predictors of fatigue. If fatigue and its predictors, are identified and addressed, it may improve the quality of life for many. More research on prevention and treatment strategies for fatigued PLWH is needed, and should be implemented in the daily clinical routines.