Work

Sexuality and Intimacy Among Older Adults Living With Hiv in Ontario: Changes, Challenges, and Concerns

Year: 2018

Type: conference-abstract

Abstract: Background: Sex plays an important role in aging successfully. Aging with HIV may complicate later life sexuality and intimacy. This qualitative study explored the sexual changes, challenges, and concerns associated with living into older adulthood with HIV. Methods: We conducted 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with women and men 50 years and older who self-identified as “aging well” with HIV in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Participants were recruited through AIDS service organizations (ASOs), community and university-based medical clinics, and other agencies. Constructivist Grounded Theory coding techniques were employed by the research team, including open and focused coding of interview data. The analysis goal was to identify primary challenges, concerns, and changes related to sexuality and intimacy in older adulthood. Peer debriefing and consensus building from team members finalized major themes. Results: Analysis yielded three broad categories: changes in, challenges with, or concerns about sexuality and intimacy with HIV. Common changes included: self-reported, deliberate sexual abstinence, reduced sexual desire and satisfaction, and increases in sexual safety. Loneliness, disclosure and rejection management based on perceived HIV-related stigma emerged as oft-reported challenges. Primary concerns targeted serostatus and fears of infecting current or prospective partners. Conclusions: Participants reported significant changes in, challenges with, and concerns about sex and intimacy with HIV. Results support existing findings and provide new insights that may help to develop programs aimed at enhancing sexual functioning while aging and HIV disease.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2778

Authors: C Parker, C Emlet, C Furlotte, L Harris

Institutions: University of Alabama, University of Washington Tacoma, McMaster University, University of Louisville

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977