An exploration of the relationship between the designed environment and the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS

There is recent documentation about the relationship between health status and the provision of housing for people with HIV/AIDS. This exploratory study investigated if a relationship exists between the physical design features of residential care facilities available to people with HIV/AIDS and the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS who live in these facilities. Subjects were people who live in residential care facilities nationwide. Survey research methods included a mailed questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions. There was a 27% return rate. Descriptive statistics and demographic data were collected and analyzed. Open-ended responses were recorded and used to inform the quantitative data analysis. Analyses conducted were descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Data from two different years (1996 and 2004) were collected. Both years of data are presented, but only the combined total was analyzed and discussed for this study. The model was found to be significant (p = .058). The independent variables accounted for more than 30% of the variance in quality of life (adjusted R2 = .388). The independent variables that were significant (p < .10) were locked front door, handrails located in the bathroom, and a common area/lounge. Surprisingly, the relationship between overall quality of life and locked front doors was negative. Overall quality of life increased with bathroom handrails and the provision of a common area or lounge. Findings of the descriptive statistics revealed that there are specific physical design features seen as important to people with HIV/AIDS living in residential care facilities.; These physical design features seem to have a relationship to the quality of life of people with AIDS, particularly their independence, physical well-being, and psychological well-being.