Sport and self-esteem in people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study

Background In the general population, sport activity is associated with better health and better self-esteem.

Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), sport activity could also be associated with better self-esteem.

The main objective of our study was to assess the association between sport activity and self-esteem among people living with HIV.

The secondary objectives were to evaluate the associations between sport activity with fatigue as well as with pain.

Methods We performed a cross-sectional observational study among PLHIV in our region (Pays de la Loire in France).

Each adult seen in routine HIV care was invited to participate in the study.

Participants were invited to fill out self-questionnaires about sport activity, self-esteem, fatigue, and pain.

The 2 groups of participants with and without sport activity were compared with a T Student test for self-esteem, fatigue, and pain scales.

Results Among the 1160 people included in the study, 47% performed sport activity.

The self-esteem score was better in the “sporting group” compared with the “non sporting group” (Rosenberg mean scale 32.7 ± 5.1/40 vs 31.9 ± 5 p = 0.01).

The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue scale showed a lower fatigue in the sporting group than in the non-sporting group (mean total score 125 ± 22 vs 118 ± 24 p < 0.0001).

The sporting group had a lower mean pain score (1.1 ± 1.8) than the non sporting group (1.4 ± 1.9 p = 0.004).

Conclusions Among PLHIV in our region, sport activity was associated with better self-esteem, lower fatigue and lower pain.

Sport activity should be included in patient care for people living with HIV.