Assessing the Quality of Life of People Living with and Affected by HIV - A Participatory Approach

This resource describes the use of the "Batteries" methodology for assessing the quality of life (QoL) of people living with and otherwise affected by HIV. The methodology allows individuals to assess their own quality of life over four domains: health, psychosocial/spiritual, human rights, and livelihoods. It is applicable for both personal and programme monitoring, allowing individuals to take stock of their lives and make plans for their future or programmes to make relevant adjustments to the services they provide.

The resource is written for programme staff and those providing peer support to individuals carrying out the process. It is divided into four sections: the first three describing each stage in assessing QoL using the batteries methodology and the last giving advice on preparation for supporting those carrying out the methodology. The resource includes workshop suggestions, method variations (for varying contexts), case studies, and text boxes outlining step-by-step processes for use of the tool by individuals, either with peer or facilitated support.