Knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in the elderly with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Assess the knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in the elderly with HIV/AIDS served in a specialized ambulatory clinic; and identify the epidemiological profile of these patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study with a sample of 148 people aged 50 years and over. The Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale was used to assess the knowledge and the attitudes about sexuality of the elderly. RESULTS: The study included 148 elderly, male gender (63.5%), single (30.5%), retired and pensioners (53%), low socioeconomic class (60%), only 21% have completed the Secondary Education, monthly family income 3.3 minimum wages, time since diagnosis 156 months and predominant form of infection via sexual (66.2%). ASKAS knowledge score was 32.2 and attitudes score was 15.5. There was significant association between the knowledge ASKAS with the female gender, being a widow and more than one comorbidity; and between the attitudes ASKAS with complete Secondary Education and physical activity. CONCLUSION: Patients with HIV/AIDS showed favorable knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in the elderly, and women that were housewives showed significant knowledge.