HIV/AIDS Interventions in an Aging U.S. Population

Abstract

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 percent of people living with HIV in the United States in 2006 were age 50 and older. HIV prevention for people over 50 is an important health concern, especially as the U.S. population grows older. Scholarly research has identified the need for HIV/AIDS interventions in the population of people over age 50, but few interventions have been established. The ecological perspective, which integrates intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy factors, was used to review the current interventions and propose possible new HIV/AIDS prevention efforts for older adults. Intrapersonal interventions are often based on the health belief model. The precaution adoption process model was explored as an alternative intrapersonal theory for modeling prevention efforts. Community interventions using diffusion of innovations theory are fully explored, and new interventions are proposed as an option for preventing HIV/AIDS in older adults. An agenda for future research and interventions is proposed. Social workers will be at the forefront of the effort to prevent HIV/AIDS in older adults. They must accept this responsibility, propose interventions, and evaluate their effectiveness.

Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Aging: A Thematic Review

“…Both the health and social sectors must better tailor programs to be accessible and meet the needs of older adults living with HIV/AIDS if this population is to be helped. As Jacobson (2011) has suggested, interventions for older adults should be developed at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and institutional as well as policy levels.…”

The sociocognitive determinates of HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors among baby boomers

“…The literature states that older adults have a low perception of risk and are less likely to practice safe sex. There is also evidence that older adults are less knowledgeable about HIV prevention (Ward et al, 2004;Jacobson, 2011). This study examined older adults' perception of HIV and the sociocognitive determinants of prevention.…”

“Of course it’s relevant!”: A focus group study of older adults' perceived importance of HIV/AIDS prevention education

“…The rising number of adults over 50 with HIV/AIDS suggests that HIV/AIDS would be perceived as a relevant health concern among older adults. However, compared to younger counterparts, not only are Americans who are aged 50 and older less knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS risk (Maes and Louis, 2003; Nichols et al., 2002), but they have been found to be the least knowledgeable about HIV and its transmission and they are less likely to be tested for HIV or delay HIV testing and medical care (Hillman, 2007; Jacobson, 2011; Mack and Bland, 1999).…”