AEGiS-15IAC: Growing older with HIV.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Growing older with HIV.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. MoOrD1092)

Pitts MK, Grierson JW, Thorpe R, Misson S, Hurley M, Willis J
LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia

BACKGROUND: Availability of highly active anti-retroviral treatment has given hope to people living with HIV (PLWHA) in Australia, and the expectation of living longer with HIV. For these PLWHA there is now an experience of growing older and living with a chronic condition. These people are trailblazers, experiencing the uncertainties associated with longer term use of treatments and of consequences of HIV as a chronic condition.

METHODS: This paper presents findings associated with growing older with HIV. The data are drawn from HIV Futures 3 - a national survey of people living with HIV in Australia. 894 HIV positive Australians from all states and territories completed the survey. The age range of respondents was 20 - 77 years, with a median age of 42 years. Of all respondents, 22% (N=192) were over fifty years old at completion of the survey. We compared this older group of PLWHA with those who were aged 49 years or younger.

RESULTS: Overall, older PLWHA rated their general health as worse. One quarter (23%) reported having been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and older PLWHA were significantly more likely to also have hepatitis A or B. Older PLWHA were more likely to be currently on anti-retroviral treatments and 40% reported significant side effects. We compared whether they took breaks from anti-retroviral treatment and the interaction with their physician in this decision. Older PLWHA thought they still had treatment options available; however 45% were unsure what these further options might be. Older PLWHA were significantly more likely to live alone and were significantly less likely to be in a current relationship - thus they may have increasing need for community and other services. The range of health, community and other services utilised by older PLWHA showed a different profile than those used by younger PLWHA.

CONCLUSIONS: More people will grow older with HIV and this first study of this population provides indications that we need to address the health and education needs specific to this group.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Prevalence, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, Health Services Needs and Demand, Health Services Accessibility, Questionnaires, Attitude, Data Collection, Australia, Humans, therapy, drug therapy

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MoOrD1092