The New Invincibles: HIV Screening among Older Adults in the US

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Oluwatoyosi A. Adekeye, Emory University; Harry Jay Heiman, Emory University; Onyekachi S. Onyeabor, Emory University; Hyacinth Hyacinth, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-08-27
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2012 Adekeye et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0043618
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: PLoS ONE
• ISSN: 1932-6203
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 8
• Start Page: e43618
• End Page: e43618
• Grant/Funding Information: The authors were supported in part by the following grants: MPCMP101051-01-01, from the Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, a grant from the Office of Minority Health, Cooperative Agreement Number: MPCMP061011 and Project Number: OMH-MSM-1-06, National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) - R21HL092358 and NIH/NCRR-5P20RR0111044.
• Keywords: INFECTION; Science & Technology - Other Topics; POPULATION; Science & Technology; AIDS RISK BEHAVIORS; PREVENTION; TUBERCULOSIS; KNOWLEDGE; COLLEGE; Multidisciplinary Sciences; AGED 50; HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS; DIAGNOSES
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Background: Thirteen percent of the U.S. population is ages 65 and older, a number projected to reach 20% by 2030. By 2015, 50% of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals in the U.S. are expected to be ages 50 and older. Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend "opt-out" HIV screening for individuals ages 13-64. The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence and barriers to HIV screening in older adults, and to evaluate the rationale for expanding routine HIV screening to this population. Methods: The study used 2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data. A total of 12,366 (unweighted) adults, ages 50 and older, participated in the adult section of the NHIS and answered questions on the HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis components. Associations between HIV screening, socio-demographic variables, and knowledge of HIV-related disease were examined using logistic regression models. Results: The HIV screening rate within this population was 25.4%. Race had no statistically significant effect. Low risk perception of HIV exposure (84.1%) accounted for low likelihood of planned screening (3.5%) within 12 months post survey. A routine medical check-up was the single most common reason for HIV screening (37.6%), with only about half (52.7%) of the tests suggested by a health care provider. Conclusion: It is imperative that practices and policies are developed and implemented to increase HIV awareness and screening in the older adult population. Increased health care provider awareness of the importance of HIV screening, especially for those 65 and older, is critical. Health policies and clinical guidelines should be revised to promote and support screening of all adults.