E. V. Lyubaeva

Application of quality of life assessment to measure the effect of psychological counseling

The study aims to test the effect of psychological counseling of patients with HIV infection and tuberculosis. It is a pre-post cohort study with a small sample size performed in the tuberculosis hospital in Moscow. If the positive effect of psychological counseling is shown, the focus of activities of clinical psychologists in tuberculosis hospital is well defined. Individualized approach should be applied for this counseling.

By means of quality of life assessment by the SF-36 it is shown that psychological counseling improves patient's quality of life. Changes in quality of life depend on a variety of factors, but not all of them are related with psychological component. Most flexible are the emotional components of quality of life, and they are more likely to be influenced by psychotherapeutic intervention.

Knowledge of the psychological problems of patients with HIV and tuberculosis will help physicians to make better relationship with patients and create atmosphere of cooperation in the process of treatment. This will help patients to overcome resistance to diagnosis and treatment, as well as to increase their admission to specialized medical centers. The results of the study may be used to make recommendations to assist patients in the tuberculosis hospital.