HIV, Sexual Health, and Psychosocial Issues Among Older Adults Living with HIV in North America

Brennan, David J.; Emlet, Charles A.; Eady, Angela

doi:10.1007/s12126-011-9111-6

Cited by 38 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…As HIV progresses it can be responsible for low testosterone levels and nerve damage, which in turn may cause erectile problems in men (Mayr & Bredeek, 2007; State of New York Department of Health, 2012). Women who may already have low postmenopausal estrogen levels are at a higher risk of contracting HIV due to the thinning of the vaginal walls (Brennan, Emlet, & Eady, 2011; Rural Center for AIDS/STI Prevention, 2013). A woman who is HIV positive may also experience altered production of progesterone and estrogen which may affect female sexual enjoyment by causing vaginal dryness, thrush, and pain (Carter, 2011).…”

Section: Hiv In the Older Adultmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Another factor affecting HIV rates in the older population is the social stigma surrounding the sexuality of older people (Brennan et al, 2011;CDC, 2013;Miller, 1996). Because it is typically assumed that older adults are sexually inactive, health care providers are less likely to inquire about older patients sexual habits, so rarely consider their risk of HIV and other STIs (CDC, 2013).…”

Section: Hiv In the Older Adultmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Relationships and sexual expression in later life: a biopsychosocial perspective

DeLamater

Koepsel

2014

Sexual and Relationship Therapy

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The literature on sexual activity and ageing has grown substantially in the past 20 years. Until recently, a medicalized perspective dominated. In the past decade research based on a social-relational perspective has emerged. We summarize recent work from both perspectives. In addition to the effects of disease on sexual functioning of men and women over the age of 50, this review emphasizes sexual expression among older couples, newly emerging topics such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the older adult, and older lesbian and gay sexuality. Sexual functioning in both males and females continues in later life, while sexual satisfaction within their relationships is dependent upon individual responses to age-related changes. As the life course continues, some older married couples begin to desire emotional intimacy, stability, and continuity in addition to or instead of penetrative sex. This also appears to be characteristic of relationships involving two (older) women. As the world's population over 50 continues to grow there is an increasing interest in older adult's sexuality. This signals progress toward understanding healthy sexual relationships. IntroductionUntil recently, the research literature on later life sexual activity has been dominated by studies identifying physical and mental health barriers. The sexual expression of typical, healthy older persons is a relatively neglected topic of research, which makes it difficult to develop generalizable models of sexual relationships in later life. We cannot provide accurate information and support for older persons who wish to remain sexually active, or provide evidence-based advice to individuals and couples seeking counseling. There are little data on the potential benefits of sexual activity for quality of life. Data on which to base policy decisions regarding housing, sexual health care, and related programs for this age group are also limited.We begin this review with a brief discussion of measures of sexuality. Next we summarize the data consistent with the medical model, focusing on ageing, physical health, mental health and medications as influences on sexual activity. In this context, we review the literature on sexual dysfunctions. Then we turn to research based on the alternative biopsychosocial model, focusing on attitudes, relationship status, and quality of relationship as important influences. We will review the limited literature on two new topics of research, the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on sexual functioning and

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Section: Hiv In the Older Adultmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Hiv In the Older Adultmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationships and sexual expression in later life: a biopsychosocial perspective

DeLamater

Koepsel

2014

Sexual and Relationship Therapy

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“…1,2 The CDC reports that approximately 24% percent of individuals living with HIV in the U.S. are over the age of 50. 3 Women with HIV over the age of 50 comprise a diverse group, composed of long-term survivors, newly diagnosed, and undiagnosed women.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1 While there is some evidence that older HIV-infected women are sexually active or may desire to be, more research is needed to understand the unique factors that impact decision-making related to sexual health for this group. 1,14 For many older women, navigating intimate relationships is challenging. The period after menopause is associated with changes in body shape and changes in sexual functioning, such as vaginal dryness.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Intimacy and Sexual Decision Making: Exploring the Perspective of HIV Positive Women Over 50

Psaros

Barinas

Robbins

et al. 2012

AIDS Patient Care and STDs

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Due to advances made in HIV treatment, the population of individuals with HIV over the age of 50 is growing. Aging women face many developmental challenges and some of these challenges, including having or maintaining intimate partner relationships, may be particularly pronounced for aging women living with HIV. However, research exploring the psychosocial needs of aging women with HIV is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore factors that impact intimate partner relationships for older women with HIV. Nineteen women (mean age = 56.79, SD = 4.63 years) referred from Boston-area community organizations and hospitals completed in-depth individual interviews. Forty-seven percent of participants identified themselves as Black/ African American, and 37% as White/Caucasian. Average time since diagnosis was 16.32 years (SD = 5.70). Interviews continued until saturation of content was reached. Inclusion criteria included: biologically born female; aged 50 years or older; diagnosis of HIV/AIDS; and English speaking. Qualitative interviews were coded by two raters and content analyses were conducted using NVivo 9 software. The findings are described across the following three main themes: (1) stigma; (2) body image concerns; and (3) the disclosure dilemma. The themes and issues identified by this study may help guide sexual health-related interventions for older HIVinfected women.

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“…Although sexual behavior and related topics in older adults are highly stigmatized and often ignored, a large number of older adults remain sexually active well into older adulthood (Brennan, Emlet, & Eady, 2011;Marshall, 2011). In a study of older adults in the United States (N=3,005), 73% of individuals aged 57-64 years, 53% aged 65-74 years, and 26% aged 75-85 years reported sexual activity in the last year (Lindau et al, 2007).…”

Section: Gerontologymentioning

confidence: 99%

MSW student perceptions of sexual health as relevant to the profession: Do social work educational experiences matter?

Winter

O’Neill

Begun

et al. 2016

Social Work in Health Care

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Many social work clients are at an increased risk for negative outcomes related to sexual behavior, including unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, there is a dearth of literature on social work student experiences with these topics in social work classrooms and their perceptions about the topic's relevance to their practice. The purpose of this study is to explore relationships between experiences with STIs and contraception as topics in social work education and practica experiences on student perceptions toward sexual health as a relevant topic for social work. Among a national sample of MSW students (N = 443), experiences with STIs and contraception as topics in practica was significantly related to perceptions toward sexual health's relevance to social work. Findings and implications are discussed.

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HIV, Sexual Health, and Psychosocial Issues Among Older Adults Living with HIV in North America

Abstract: It is estimated that by the year 2015,

Cited by 38 publications

References 63 publications

Relationships and sexual expression in later life: a biopsychosocial perspective

Relationships and sexual expression in later life: a biopsychosocial perspective

Intimacy and Sexual Decision Making: Exploring the Perspective of HIV Positive Women Over 50

MSW student perceptions of sexual health as relevant to the profession: Do social work educational experiences matter?

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