Abstract
Objectives To determine the level of perceived social support among older adults living with HIV and AIDS in Dublin.MethodsThe study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from 46 adults aged 50 years or older who are members of open heart house (OHH) in Ireland, a peer support network for people living with HIV and AIDS. Participants completed a set of interviewer-assisted questionnaires, which included the multidimensional measure of perceived social support (PSS) to assess the level of social support.ResultsLevels of PSS among participants were observed as follows: 54 % had low PSS, 33 % had a moderate PSS and 13 % had high PSS. A fifth of the study participants had a history of injection drug use (IDU) and this group reported higher PSS scores in general than non-IDU’s (H = 79.500, Z = −2.678, p = 0.006). PSS scores were observed to be higher in general among participants with longer duration of infection [H(2) = 7.856, p = 0.020].ConclusionDespite its limitations, this study provides vital information about the level of social support among older people living with HIV and AIDS at OHH Dublin. An unexpected but interesting finding was the positive relationship between IDU and PSS level. Formulation of strategies to enable older PLHA to be more proactive members of their community through a peer support network sponsored volunteer services should be encouraged.
Highlights
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is in its 4th decade since the first case was diagnosed in a homosexual male in 1981
Characteristics of research participants No statistically significant difference in perceived social support (PSS) was observed between the three age categories [H(44) = 1.851, p = 0.396], scores were generally lower in the oldest age group than in the other two age groups
An unexpected and yet interesting finding in this study was the positive association between injection drug use (IDU) and PSS
Summary
The HIV pandemic is in its 4th decade since the first case was diagnosed in a homosexual male in 1981. During this time there have been numerous advances, in clinical treatment, with the development of highly active antiretroviral (ARV) medications, and in HIV activism. In 2012, an estimated 3.6 [3.2–3.9] million people aged 50 years and older were living with HIV and AIDS, and in Western Europe and North America this group of older adults makes up 33 % of all adults 15 years and older living with HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS 2013)
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