Aging With HIV in the Era of Antiretroviral Treatment

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify the living conditions and the quality of life of people aged more than 50 who were living with HIV in Switzerland. Participants were consecutively sampled through different HIV-specific sites. Seventy-two HIV-positive persons filled in an anonymous standardized questionnaire, either paper-pencil or online. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Quality of life was rated quite high ( M = 14.9, SD = 4.14). The multivariate regression analyses showed that mental and physical health problems, long-term living with HIV, having a high degree of needed support, and financial problems decreased quality of life, and perceived available social support was an important predictor in maintaining quality of life. In addition to current offers to support mental health and social networks, efforts to integrate people of working age into the labor market and efforts to reduce stigma and the social marginalization of older HIV-positive people should be fostered.