Psychosocial Protective and Risk Factors of Quality of Life Outcomes Among Older Adults Living With HIV

'If I don't take care of me, then I can't be there for others:' a qualitative study of caregiving relationships among older women living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

The population of women ages 50 years and older living with HIV is increasing. Yet, little is known about the care networks that older women living with HIV (OWLH) use to manage their health. The goal of this study was to explore the caregiving and care receiving relationships among OWLH and how these relationships impact HIV management.

METHODS

OWLH aged 50 years and older were recruited from clinics and community-based organizations across the U.S. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth phone interviews and performed content and thematic analysis on transcripts.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 23) were on average 60 years old and had been living with HIV for an average of 23.7 years. Participants 1) relied on diverse care networks; 2) were caregivers for grandchildren and parents; 3) had pride and joy in being caregivers; and 4) were highly proactive in their own HIV management. Care networks promoted self-love and acceptance. However, concerns about aging with HIV were still highly prevalent.

CONCLUSION

Being a caregiver and care recipient are sources of meaning and strength to help OWLH manage HIV. Public health programs should consider engaging both OWLH and their care networks in healthcare discussions and educational efforts.

The Association Between Intrapersonal Resilience Resources and Quality of Life Among Older Persons Living With HIV: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Despite positive improvements in health care, older persons living with HIV (PWH) still face psychosocial challenges and medical issues that affect their overall quality of life (QoL). Intrapersonal resilience resources may serve as a protective factor allowing PWH to better cope with adversity, thereby improving their well-being. In our systematic review, we examined intrapersonal resilience resources and their association with QoL outcomes among middle-aged and older PWH (≥40 years). Four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase) were searched, and 1,400 articles were yielded. Following screening and full-text review, 19 studies met full criteria and were included. Based on our findings from these studies, trait resilience, spirituality, and self-efficacy were the most common resilience resources investigated. Resilience resources were positively associated with QoL outcomes and mediated the association between various psychosocial factors (e.g., stigma) and QoL. Future studies should explore resilience resources and QoL over time among diverse populations of PWH.