Late diagnosis and vulnerabilities of the elderly living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Objective:To identify vulnerabilities of elderly people with HIV/AIDS and the trajectory that they follow until reaching the diagnosis of the disease. Method: Qualitative research conducted in specialized clinics in the state of São Paulo, from January to June 2011. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 elderly people who were found to be infected with the virus at the age of 60 years or older. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: In this process four categories emerged, then analyzed with reference to the theoretical framework of vulnerability. Conclusion: Late diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS among the elderly happens in the secondary or tertiary service. Issues related to sexual life of the elderly are only questioned by health professionals after the diagnosis, also the time that condom use becomes absolute. It is believed that the investigation of the vulnerability of the elderly to HIV/AIDS allows for carrying out appropriate interventions for this population.

Barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in people age 50 and above: a systematic review

“…17 Clinician-related factors associated with not testing for HIV Three studies using surveys or qualitative methods reported preconceived ideas about older people as a barrier to offering an HIV test to an older person. This included the perception that older people lack understanding regarding HIV, 25 that they are at less risk 16,26 or that they are not comfortable discussing sexuality. 16 Similarly, HCPs feeling uncomfortable with risk factor questioning or addressing risk of older people was reported by two studies.…”

“…15,16,18,20,23 , 26-28 This included having a usual source of care, 23,27 having seen a clinician within the last year, 18 testing during hospitalisation, [26][27][28] as part of a routine health screen, 16,28 sexual health screen 20 or because of blood donation. 28 Further, being offered/ encouraged to test by a HCP was reported by three studies using survey 13,28 or qualitative methodologies.…”

“…28 Further, being offered/ encouraged to test by a HCP was reported by three studies using survey 13,28 or qualitative methodologies. 17 Similarly, experiencing physical symptoms was associated with a 17 Alencar, 2015 26 Barnett, 2011 16 Kuteesa, 2012 24 Siegel, 1999 21 Was decision to offer an HIV test. 17,27 Having health insurance or financial means to pay for healthcare was significantly associated with a decision to test for HIV in studies from the USA.…”

Self-care of elderly people after the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

“…Regarding the feelings experienced by the elderly in relation to the fact that their diagnosis was revealed, in a study with elderly people living with HIV/AIDS, it was observed that, faced with the reality of prejudice and discrimination, secrecy regarding health status and the fact that only a few people in the family know about the serological condition, disadvantages the coping of the situation by the elderly (5) . This is because the family represents an important network of psychosocial support that when deprived of the truth ceases to collaborate in welcoming the elderly.…”

“…Of these, 11 had a specific approach regarding the subject under study, six were literature reviews and another six had been produced from secondary data. The studies that deal with this issue point out that the greater exposure of the elderly to HIV/AIDS may be associated with factors such as the delay in the implementation of prevention policies aimed at this age group; the invisibility of sex in old age; the demystification of sexuality in the elderly coupled with the expansion of access to medicines for erectile disorders and the participation of the elderly in cohabitation groups; and the low adherence to the use of male condoms by the elderly (5)(6) . This may reflect the care given to the elderly, especially those with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or the diagnosis of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (5) .…”