Utility assessment of HIV/AIDS-related health states in HIV-infected Ugandans

AIDS. 2008 Jul:22 Suppl 1:S123-30. doi: 10.1097/01.aids.0000327633.85221.9a.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the psychometric performance of using standard gamble (SG), time trade-off (TTO) and visual analogue scale (VAS) in the evaluation of three predetermined HIV/AIDS health states in HIV-infected Ugandans, for use in cost-effectiveness analyses.

Methods: We recruited participants with CD4 cells <200/microl from the Development of AntiRetroviral Therapy in Africa (DART) trial cohort [randomized trial evaluating antiretroviral therapy (ART) management strategies] in Uganda, before they initiated ART (n = 276). A comparison group of ART-naive HIV-infected individuals was recruited from the Entebbe Cohort study (n = 159). Participants were interviewed and asked to rate his/her own health state using VAS; rank and evaluate HIV/AIDS predetermined health states using TTO and SG relative to an improved health state. Tools were tested for psychometrical properties.

Results: Women constituted 64% and 76% of the DART and Entebbe Cohorts. Mean age was 36.5 and 36.7 years, respectively. Participants could discriminate between predetermined HIV/AIDS health states. Deterioration in health status was associated with a reduction in rating scores (VAS), increased willingness to give up time (TTO) and acceptance of increased risk (SG) to achieve a better health state, independent of the participant's actual health state, as measured by CD4 cell counts.

Conclusion: VAS, TTO and SG have good psychometric properties, making them good candidates for use in resource-constrained settings. Further research in a wider population is necessary to generate an evidence base with which to inform resource allocation decisions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / economics
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / economics
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychometrics
  • Quality of Life
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years
  • Sickness Impact Profile*
  • Uganda

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents