The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47143

Karolynn Siegel, PhD¹, Eric W. Schrimshaw, MA¹, and Daniel Karus, MS². (1) Center for the Psychosocial Study of Health & Illness, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 100 Haven Avenue, Suite 6A, New York, NY 10032, (2) Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, Center for Psychosocial Study of Health and Illness, 100 Haven Avenue, Suite 6A, New York, NY 10032

Although adults over age fifty comprise approximately 15% of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, the potentially risky sexual behaviors of this population remain unstudied. The present study examines the prevalence of and factors associated with unprotected sexual behavior (both recent and since diagnosis) among an ethnically diverse sample of 100 late middle-age and older adults (age 50-68) living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. Forty-two percent reported unprotected oral sex since their diagnosis, and 26% in the past six months. Thirty-eight percent reported unprotected vaginal or anal sex since their diagnosis, and 15% in the past six months. Unprotected oral sex was unrelated to any of the factors examined. Results of multivariate logistic regression revealed that heterosexual men, recent crack users, and recent marijuana users were more likely to report unprotected oral sex in the past six months. Participants with AIDS and with histories of IV drug use more likely to report unprotected vaginal/anal sex since diagnosis. Younger participants and recent crack users were more likely to report unprotected vaginal/anal sex in the past six months. These findings suggest a number of older HIV-infected adults continue to have unprotected sex following their diagnosis, potentially placing others at risk for infection. These results suggest potential subgroups of HIV-infected older adults who may require interventions to promote safer sexual practices.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this paper, the participant will be able to

• Identify the prevalence of unprotected sexual behaviors among HIV-infected older adults,
• Recognize the factors associated with unprotected sexual behaviors among HIV-infected adults, and
• Discuss the potential need for interventions targeted toward specific groups of HIV-infected older adults who are a greatest risk for unprotected sexual behaviors.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.