Predictors of End of Life Discussions Among Minority Older Women Living With HIV Infection

Abstract

Background: Among the 39,782 newly HIV diagnosed individuals in the U.S., 17% were aged 50+. Although premature aging, morbidity, and mortality are issues for older people living with HIV that threaten their quality of life, less attention has been focused on end of life (EOL) discussions. Objectives: To examine predictors of EOL discussions with significant others, family members, and friends. Methods: Cross-sectional design was used for this study guided by the The Socio Ecological Model (SEM). Sample: 119 Black and 19 Hispanic women aged 50+ living with HIV. Results: Predictors of EOL discussions were education, living with a partner, religiosity, and pain, which were at the individual-intrapersonal level of the SEM. Discussion: Findings from this study have important implications for health policy makers and clinicians because they cast a bright light on the substantial continued effort that is needed to improve EOL discussions.