No One Is Immune

Abstract

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of new HIV diagnoses among people aged 50 to 64 in the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in just 7 years (by 2015) 50% of those living with AIDS will be aged 50 or older. To address this public health concern, viable HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment options for individuals over the age of 50 are necessary. This article discusses the No One Is Immune initiative that planned, implemented, and coordinated evidence- based HIV/AIDS prevention and education programs specifically tailored for middle-aged and older adults. Guided by the health belief model, an educational conference entitled “Sexuality, Medication, and HIV/AIDS in Middle and Later Adulthood” was conducted along with research activities that assessed HIV/AIDS knowledge gained using both qualitative and quantitative measures. This project can be replicated by other providers within the aging network.

HIV behavioural interventions targeted towards older adults: a systematic review

“…With respect to improving knowledge, Rose demonstrated that delivery of an age-specific AIDS education program was effective in improving HIV knowledge (p < 0.001) and perceptions of susceptibility (p < 0.01) among older HIV-negative Americans compared to a control group not receiving the education program [ 25 ]. While Orel and colleagues [ 58 ] and Altschuler and colleagues [ 59 ] both showed that education sessions improved HIV-related knowledge among older adults, Small’s workshop did not have a significant impact [ 60 ].…”

“…Despite the limited number of papers providing evidence on this topic, some lessons do emerge from the review. Due to concerns over stigma and the perception of being low risk, researchers have suggested approaches for older adults through the lens of sexuality and sexual health rather than HIV directly [ 58 ]. Providing information on, for example, the impact of medications on sexuality may provide an appropriate time to discuss safe sex and HIV.…”

Condom Attitudes of Heterosexual Men Ages 50 and Older Using Prescribed Drugs (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

“…This finding may be useful as a component of an educational activity focusing on condom use as a way to “stay safe and stay healthy” in relation to prevention of HIV and other STDS. For example, Altschuler et al (2004) recommended designing HIV/AIDS education programs for older adults as “part of a health series” as opposed to a “stand-alone program.” This finding served as the basis for a successful health care seminar for older adults, called “No One Is Immune,” that was developed to educate older adults about HIV/AIDs, but was framed within a day-long seminar that focused on sexuality, sexual health, and medications (Orel, Stelle, Watson, & Bunner, 2010).…”

Aging Love: A Sexual Health Model for Older Adults

“…Health-care organizations can participate in prevention and promotion by creating and distributing promotional tools and providing older adults with resources. Nurses and other health-care practitioners can minimize barriers to protective behaviors and serve cues for immediate action by engaging older adults in behaviors that prevent STIBBDs through sexual health discussions, and offering free condoms and on-site testing during health visits (Davis et al, 2016;Orel et al, 2010).…”

“…The HBM can be applied to education programs focusing on addressing protective behaviors and incorporating concepts of perceived susceptibility, barriers, and cues to action (Tarkang & Zotor, 2015). For example, utilizing peer educators to provide education on risk factors, susceptibility, and examples of protective behaviors allows for a sense of connection and personal relevance to topics being presented (Orel et al, 2010). Key educational resources for older adults are in Figure 1.…”