Navigating Life With HIV as an Older Adult on the Kenyan Coast: Perceived Health Challenges Seen Through the Biopsychosocial Model.

Journal: International journal of public health

Volume: 68

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 2023

Affiliated Institutions:  Centre for Geographic Medicine Research Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya. MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

This study explores the perceptions of adults living with HIV aged ≥50 years (recognized as older adults living with HIV-OALWH), primary caregivers and healthcare providers on the health challenges of ageing with HIV at Kilifi, a low literacy setting on the coast of Kenya. We utilized the biopsychosocial model to explore views from 34 OALWH and 22 stakeholders on the physical, mental, and psychosocial health challenges of ageing with HIV in Kilifi in 2019. Data were drawn from semi-structured in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. A framework approach was used to synthesize the data. Symptoms of common mental disorders, comorbidities, somatic symptoms, financial difficulties, stigma, and discrimination were viewed as common. There was also an overlap of perceived risk factors across the physical, mental, and psychosocial health domains, including family conflicts and poverty. OALWH at the Kenyan coast are perceived to be at risk of multiple physical, mental, and psychosocial challenges. Future research should quantify the burden of these challenges and examine the resources available to these adults.

Authors & Co-authors:  Mwangala Wagner Newton Abubakar

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Autenrieth CS, Beck EJ, Stelzle D, Mallouris C, Mahy M, Ghys P. Global and Regional Trends of People Living with HIV Aged 50 and over: Estimates and Projections for 2000–2020. PloS one (2018) 13(11):e0207005. 10.1371/journal.pone.0207005
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 1605916
SSN : 1661-8564
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
HIV;Kenya;biopsychosocial challenges;older adults;sub-Saharan Africa
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Kenya
Publication Country
Switzerland