Using Focus Group Feedback to Identify Patient-Centered Initiatives for Older Persons with HIV

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study assessed how few community-based programs target older people living with HIV. Methods: We conducted four focus groups comprised of people 50 and older with HIV (N = 32; gay/bisexual men, heterosexual men, women, and Spanish-speakers) to inform HIV program development by exploring the services in which participants were actively involved, along with the services they wanted to receive. Results: Using inductive thematic qualitative analysis, four themes were identified pertaining to program development: (a) types of currently utilized HIV service organizations; (b) dissatisfaction with HIV programming and services; (c) participants’ preferred programming, courses, groups, or activities; and (d) desire to serve as peer mentors. Conclusions: Results highlight the need for community-based organizations to address social engagement and isolation among older people living with HIV. Clinical implications: These findings exemplify the need for programs to be specifically designed for OPH, and created with the primary goals of socialization and helping develop social support networks.