Mental health correlates of HIV-related resilience among older gay men living with HIV/AIDS in New York City: The GOLD studies

Abstract

Introduction: Older adults represent the greatest proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the U.S. and sexual minority men continue to be disproportionally impacted. As PLWHA age, they face multiple mental and psychosocial health challenges that may impact their overall health and well-being. Resilience may act as a buffer against these challenges.Method: Associations between HIV-related resilience and mental health endorsements were examined among older HIV-positive gay men in New York City.Result: Multivariate analyses indicate those with higher levels of HIV-related resilience were more likely to have lower levels of PTSD and substance dependence and were also more likely to feel financially secure.Conclusion: While further research will help better understand the role resilience has on overall health and well-being of older gay PLWHA, utilizing this perspective can yield important insights that can be used to shift toward strengths-based service and programmatic approaches for this population.