Objectives:
The aim of the study was assessment of the quality of life of patients infected with HIV. A short version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, developed by the World Health Organization, was used, which allows simultaneous evaluation of the quality of life in somatic, social, environmental and psychological spheres, and an author-constructed questionnaire.

Material and methods:
The study group included 105 patients (x males, y females) infected with HIV. The quality of life was assessed using the short version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire supplemented with an author-constructed questionnaire, which consisted of 21 closed questions.

Results:
The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and authorconstructed questionnaire are reliable tools for the assessment of the quality of life in adults. The results obtained show the good quality of life of patients infected with HIV. Acceptance of own illness and permanent employment are the basic factors affecting the quality of life of HIV infected patients.

Conclusions:
1. The perceived state of the quality of life strongly depends on many factors, such as physical and family conditions and the attitude towards the patient. 2. Positive attitude and acceptance of one’s own illness has a great impact on further treatment and quality of life. 3. Support and assistance from the loved ones increases the sense of security of infected people and improves their quality of life. 4. The problem of discrimination and stigmatization still affects patients infected with HIV, resulting from insufficient knowledge in Polish society.