Veterans aging cohort three-site study (VACS 3): overview and description

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Older individuals with HIV infection experience poorer health outcomes.
• Age-related factors, including access to care and comorbidities, significantly influence HIV progression.
• The Veterans Aging Cohort Three-Site Study (VACS 3) addresses these challenges in aging populations with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the influence of age and mediating factors on health outcomes in individuals with HIV.
• To identify modifiable factors contributing to poorer outcomes in aging HIV patients.
• To inform the development of interventions for improving care for people aging with HIV.

Main Methods:

• An observational, longitudinal study design.
• Data collection through patient and provider surveys and electronic medical records.
• Inclusion of baseline and 12-month follow-up data from three Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

Main Results:

• 85% of eligible veterans with HIV enrolled (881 participants).
• The study sample has a mean age of 49, with significant representation from minority populations and men who have sex with men.
• Participants commonly use complementary therapies, substances, and are on multiple antiretroviral medications.

Conclusions:

• Veterans with HIV exhibit characteristics increasingly prevalent in the broader HIV-infected population.
• Findings highlight the need for interventions tailored to the unique needs of aging individuals with HIV.
• VACS 3 provides critical insights for future clinical strategies to enhance outcomes for aging populations with HIV.