Impact of arterial stiffness on health-related quality of life in older Thai adults with treated HIV infection: a multicenter cohort study

Purpose Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) that extend life expectancy, older adults with HIV (OAHIV) face elevated cardiovascular disease risks. This study examines the impact of arterial stiffness on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among OAHIV in rural Northern Thailand. Methods We conducted a 5-year prospective cohort study from 2015, including 338 OAHIV aged ≥ 50 without prior cardiovascular disease who received ART in 12 community hospitals in Chiang Mai. Arterial stiffness was assessed using Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), with values ≥ 8 indicating significant stiffness. HRQoL was measured using the MOS-HIV Health Survey at baseline, one year, and five years. Analysis adjusted for HIV/AIDS severity, cardiovascular comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors. Results Elevated CAVI (≥ 8) was associated with lower HRQoL scores. The elevated CAVI group showed lower physical health summary scores (average difference:− 2.2 points, 95%CI: − 3.5 to − 0.9) and mental health summary scores (average difference: − 1.2 points, 95%CI: − 2.2 to − 0.3) compared to the normal CAVI group (CAVI