Older women are a special HIV/AIDS population. Risk profiles differ both within the “45 and older” category and compared to other age groups. Testing profiles also differ with respect to sites where older women test, test acceptance rates, and who the most effective counselors are in achieving acceptance of testing by older women. For example, at a large network of New York City clinics, 45-55 year old women are more likely to share risk profiles with younger than older age groups, but factors determining testing acceptance are more similar within the 45 and older group than to any group. HIV diagnosis late in the course of HIV infection is one factor affecting the natural history and apparently more rapid progression to morbidity and mortality in older women. Older women’s risk of contracting HIV and of late diagnosis is increased because there is ignorance among providers and the general public about this group’s susceptibility to becoming infected with HIV and because they are less likely to utilize high volume testing sites such as family planning clinics and drug treatment programs. Strategies to increase public awareness of older women’s risk characteristics, to increase offers of testing by professionals and testing acceptance by the women, and to optimize management of HIV disease will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Participants will acquire information about risk profiles, testing characteristics, and natural history of HIV disease in women over 45 years. Earlier diagnosis of HIV in this subpopulation and improved management of HIV disease will be discussed. Specific learning objectives are: improved skills in evaluating HIV risks in older women and in offers of HIV testing, improved medical and psychosocial management of HIV disease, and increased awareness by the professional community that older women are at risk for HIV and constitute a special population with specific characteristics
Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS, Special Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.