Growing Older With HIV/AIDS: New Public Health Challenges

Abstract

At present, the health care infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the unique treatment and care needs of HIV-positive older adults. The long-term effects of antiretroviral use are still being discovered and have been associated with a number of comorbidities. Stigma presents challenges for those in need of services and health care, and can significantly affect mental health and treatment adherence. The training of elder service providers and health care providers in meeting the needs of HIV-positive older adults, including gay and transgender people, is needed as the population ages. HIV-related and antigay stigma should be challenged by social marketing campaigns. Continued research and key policy changes could greatly improve health outcomes for HIV-positive elderly persons by increasing access to treatment and support.

HIV stigma experiences and stigmatisation before and after an intervention

“…PLWH often experience personal and emotional frailty coupled with internalised selfstigmatisation, shame and a compromised self-efficacy (Naidoo et al, 2007). This leads to social avoidance, real or perceived loss of friends, perceived discomfort of those they are in contact with, symptoms of depression and feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and unattractiveness (Cahill & Valadez, 2013). All these aspects contribute to a decreased quality of life as an outcome of HIV stigma for PLWH and poor disclosure practices, poor sexual choices or quality-of-life decisions driven by a debilitating, internalised fear of losing significant relationships and losing their source of income/livelihood.…”

Knowledge, Self-efficacy, and Self-perceived Risk for Cardiovascular Disease among Asians Living With HIV: The Influence of HIV Stigma and Acculturation

“…For example, immigrants who have low Western identification may have lower English-language proficiency and may, therefore, have limited knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-perceived risk (Sanderson, 2013). The influence of HIV stigma on PLWH knowledge, selfefficacy, and self-perceived risk-not exclusively regarding ACS but regarding health in general-are also well documented (Cahill & Valad ez, 2013;Sumari-de Boer, Sprangers, Prins, & Nieuwkerk, 2012). However, no study to date has investigated the potential influences of acculturation and HIV stigma on knowledge, self-efficacy, and selfperceived risk for CVD and ACS in PLWH who are members of racial minority groups.…”

Disclosure and Self-Efficacy Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Comparison Between Older and Younger Adults

“…Cahill and Valadéz stated that there are significant differences between a 50-year-old person living with HIV/AIDS and a 75-year-old person living with HIV/AIDS. 52 Also, a 25-yearold person who has been recently infected with HIV will perhaps have a different experience than a 75-year-old who was infected in the 1980s. MSM aged 18-34 were born during a time when HIV was already or newly discovered compared to the older age groups.…”