Assessing the Needs of Older HIV+ Adults; Initial Data From the CORE Healthy Aging Initiative (CHAI).

Abstract

Background. With aging comes a myriad of medical and psychosocial needs that are accentuated in HIV-infected patients. Data on the needs of older HIV-infected patients are sparse, especially among minority populations not enrolled in research studies. Methods. We administered a survey over 8 weeks (March-May 2016) at the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, an infectious diseases clinic in Chicago. Spanish and English versions of a paper survey were handed out by peer educators to all interested Primary Care Clinic patients >50 years. Results. A total of 282 patients completed the surveys; 254 (90%) in English and 28 (10%) in Spanish. Median age was 57 years (range 50-73 years); 44% were female, 60% were African American, 19% were Hispanic, and 18% were Caucasian. Seventy-four percent were diagnosed with HIV >10 years ago, with 44% diagnosed >20 years ago. In all, 45% completed high school, 24% some college; 25% were employed part-or fulltime. Seventy-nine percent were their own main caregiver and 46% lived alone. In all, 96% were on HIV medications; 53% were taking >4 prescribed medications daily; 26% were taking >6 medications/day; 46% were also taking nonprescribed supplements/vitamins. Comorbidities reported were hyperlipidemia (27%), hypertension (27%), diabetes (14%), cancer (14%). Thirty-two percent had fallen within the last year, with 8% having >3 falls. Thirty percent never reported the falls. 46% were current smokers, of whom 72% were interested in quitting. Patient concerns and self-rated health are shown in the table (∗P < 0.05).Seventy-five percent had a cell phone and 70% of those use texting. 84% used social media >2-3 times/week. Patients expressed interest in participating in aging studies (59%) or attending classes for exercise (49%) or nutrition (42%) at CORE. Conclusion. Older HIV-infected minority patients in our urban clinic have many concerns, HIV and non-HIV related. These patients are not a homogenous group and differences by primary language and gender will be explored further. Many live alone, and the interplay of comorbidities, polypharmacy, memory issues, and falls place them at increased risk for nonindependent living at an earlier age than the general population. Text messaging and social media to promote healthy aging initiatives in older HI-infected adults should be utilized to address these concerns.