Age and its Impact on the Needs of HIV Individuals
Start Date
April 2024
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
As modern medicine continues to advance, chronic diseases like HIV that were once considered a death sentence have become manageable through various treatment options. Due to this, HIV individuals are living longer, which leaves medical professionals in a state of uncertainty regarding what the best practices are for when assisting older people living with HIV. Therefore, this quantitative study explores the following question: what are the needs of HIV+ clients who are over the age of 50 versus those 49 and under with HIV as indicated on the intake forms at Caracole? Using randomized selection, 60 individuals who filled out Caracole’s intake form were selected. 30 individuals aged 18-49 were in one cohort, while 30 aged 50 and older were in the other. Comparing both groups’ responses, the study aimed to gain a clearer understanding of what the needs are for this growing population and how they differentiate from younger people living with HIV. Some areas of interest include the need for housing assistance, transportation assistance, copay assistance, etcetera. Since Caracole is an AIDs Service Organization, this research project will be helpful when assessing its services. Research is still being conducted, but will be presented at the Celebration of Student Research.
Age and its Impact on the Needs of HIV Individuals
2nd floor - Library
As modern medicine continues to advance, chronic diseases like HIV that were once considered a death sentence have become manageable through various treatment options. Due to this, HIV individuals are living longer, which leaves medical professionals in a state of uncertainty regarding what the best practices are for when assisting older people living with HIV. Therefore, this quantitative study explores the following question: what are the needs of HIV+ clients who are over the age of 50 versus those 49 and under with HIV as indicated on the intake forms at Caracole? Using randomized selection, 60 individuals who filled out Caracole’s intake form were selected. 30 individuals aged 18-49 were in one cohort, while 30 aged 50 and older were in the other. Comparing both groups’ responses, the study aimed to gain a clearer understanding of what the needs are for this growing population and how they differentiate from younger people living with HIV. Some areas of interest include the need for housing assistance, transportation assistance, copay assistance, etcetera. Since Caracole is an AIDs Service Organization, this research project will be helpful when assessing its services. Research is still being conducted, but will be presented at the Celebration of Student Research.
