Abstract
Background
HIV places enormous stress on the well-being of infected elderly people when performing activities of daily living. Surviving with HIV can be extremely challenging at any age, however elderly people living with HIV have to be contended with physical, mental and psychological barriers. Both ageing and HIV infection can work separately or interactively to reduce their human immune response. Unmet needs related to activities of daily living among elderly people with HIV may lead to adverse consequences resulting in deteriorating health outcomes. The purpose of this research study was to explore barriers experienced by elderly living with HIV related to their engagement in activities of daily living.
Methods
An explorative qualitative study was conducted, using a purposive sampling method to recruit participants at three public healthcare district hospitals. The researcher conducted semi-structured Interviews of 10 focus group discussions with elderly people aged 60 years and above who had lived with HIV. The data was analysed thematically.
Results
The key themes that emerged included psychological, physical, and cognitive barriers. Furthermore, other barriers were functional mobility, change in sexual engagement, personal hygiene, eating challenges, and emotions associated with their HIV status.
Conclusions
This study concludes that elderly people living with HIV experience several barriers during their engagement in activities of daily living. Understanding the barriers of the elderly people living with HIV will inform the development of appropriate interventions to improve their well-being, health and quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop occupational therapy programme to assist in providing appropriate care for the elderly people living with HIV.