Methods. National probability sample of 2864 respondents from the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS), representing 231,400 adults with known HIV infection receiving medical care in the United States in early 1996. Bivariate analyses stratified by age and race included demographic attributes, financial resources and health status. Multivariate analyses examined medical care utilization in younger and older patients.
Results. Older whites consisted predominantly of homosexual males, who were relatively well educated, privately insured and financially stable compared to whites < 50. In contrast, older nonwhites were poorly educated, had high rates of intravenous drug use and had few economic resources compared to younger minorities and whites of all ages. Employment rates were low for all adults, particularly older minorities (13.1% employed). Further, the majority of older minorities stopped working within a year of being diagnosed.
Discussion. Changing composition of the HIV population towards older adults and lower socioeconomic groups poses new challenges to the healthcare system. Health policies must adapt to fundamental changes in the health and functioning of older adults with HIV/AIDS.
Learning Objectives: To describe the economic characteristics of late middle-aged and older adults (age = 50) with HIV/AIDS
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.