Gender and dementia national strategy policymaking: Working toward health equity in Canada through gender-based analysis plus

Age-related experiences of diverse older women living with HIV: A scoping review protocol informed by intersectionality

INTRODUCTION

Older women living with HIV often go unnoticed due to societal biases and stigmas. Despite a rise in cases among older women, there is limited research on the psychosocial factors impacting their experiences. Aging complexities compounded by HIV and menopause affect these women's health, while factors like mental health impact, changing support networks, and ageism with HIV stigma influence their well-being. Existing studies mostly compare older HIV-positive individuals without considering gender and intersectional identities, limiting understanding of their unique experiences. The scarcity of research addressing age-related differences from diverse perspectives delays the development of tailored treatments and interventions.

OBJECTIVES

The study aims to comprehensively explore the age-related experiences of older women with HIV through three sub-questions that address (1) Key experiences, medical and social challenges, and strengths; (2) Impact of intersectional identities on their experiences; and (3) Gaps and limitations in current research.

METHODS

Utilizing a scoping review approach, the study seeks to map existing literature, employing a theoretical framework rooted in Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+). Articles focusing on the age-related experiences of older women living with HIV aged 50 and above will be included. The study selection process will involve two independent reviewers screening articles based on pre-established inclusion criteria. Data extraction and synthesis will follow, analyzing the influence of sex, gender, and other identities on experiences.

DISCUSSION

The study's comprehensive approach aims to bridge gaps in understanding older women's HIV experiences, emphasizing intersectionality. While limited to English-language peer-reviewed articles, this review seeks to offer valuable insights for healthcare, policy, and research, potentially fostering positive change in the lives of diverse older women living with HIV.

"I'm still the queen and I'm still on my throne…": Women's reflections on gender and living with dementia

People with dementia have long been defined by the label of dementia, rather than by other aspects of their identities including gender. As a result, little research has focused on gender and dementia, particularly through the perspectives of those living with dementia. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of women living with dementia. Specifically, we sought to understand how gender structured their experiences of receiving and coping with a diagnosis, services, and important relationships and supports. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, twenty-one women living with dementia participated in individual or group interviews. Women discussed the following aspects of gender and dementia: caregiver roles, perceptions of gender differences, the impact of dementia on families, and women's strength and resilience. The findings of this study indicate a clear need for further research to explore diversity and gendered experiences for those diagnosed with dementia.

A qualitative exploration of how gender and relationship shape family caregivers' experiences across the Alzheimer's disease trajectory

Caregiving experiences are not static. They change across the disease trajectory and care continuum. However, it is not clear how caregiver gender or relationship type is related to evolving caregiver experiences over time. This qualitative study informed by constructivist grounded theory and framework analysis explored the experiences over time of men and women who were adult children and spousal caregivers to persons with Alzheimer's disease. Forty spousal (10 husbands and 10 wives) and adult children (10 sons and 10 daughters) caregivers to persons with Alzheimer's disease were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Our findings suggest the experiences of caregiving, examined through a gender and relationship type lens, are complex and variable. The caregiving experience was not related to gender or relationship type alone, but often to a combination of the two. For instance, spousal caregivers did not immediately accept the diagnosis, with wives being more optimistic than husbands about a slow progression of the disease. Adult children caregivers were concerned about the ways the caregiving role would impact their personal and career obligations and sought ways to mitigate the changes to their daily lives. Sons and husband caregivers largely utilized home and community health services to assist with personal care tasks, whereas daughters and wives utilized the same services to allow them to complete other caregiving tasks (e.g., housekeeping). Recognition of the complex inter-relationships among gender and relationship type on caregiving experiences supports the need for family-centered interventions. This article also extends sex and gender research as it highlights that an in-depth understanding of the caregiving experience cannot be understood by gender alone and relationship type must also be considered.