Abstract
HIV / AIDS epidemic continues to be a major public health problem, and when there is poor adherence to treatment, patients become susceptible to other infections such as toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the handgrip strength and quality of life of HIV infected patients diagnosed with neurotoxoplasmosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 HIV-infected patients, with and without diagnosis of neuroxoplasmosis.Sociodemographic and clinical profile information was collected, and handgrip strength and quality of life were evaluated. Almost all patients of both groups used antiretroviral therapy. In the handgrip strength evaluation, no statistical difference was observed for the right and left hand between groups with and without neurotoxoplasmosis (p> 0.05). However, the classifica-1 Federal University of Pará. Gradution of inadequate handgrip strength in the neurotoxoplasmosis group was significantly higher.ate Program in Tropical Diseases. In the quality of life domain, it was observed that financial concern had lower scores in the Belém, PA. Brazil. group with neurotoxoplasmosis (p = 0.0379). It was observed that neurotoxoplasmosis showedno association with epidemiological, clinical, handgrip strength and quality of life variables.2 State University of Pará. Center However, patients with neurotoxoplasmosis showed a trend towards lower muscle strength.
Key words
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Cerebral toxoplasmosis; Hand strength; Quality of life