Characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus infections among the elderly in Taiwan: a nationwide study

Information regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the elderly of Taiwan is limited. This study looked into the aforementioned issues.

Data from the National HIV/AIDS Registry, relating to individuals diagnosed in 2007, were analyzed.

Among 1,975 HIV-infected individuals diagnosed in 2007, the elderly group (age ≧50 years) consisted of 153 subjects and the younger (control) group (age 15-39 years) consisted of 1,458 individuals. Some markers, such as primarily males/local Taiwanese, being unemployed, one third of subjects infected by means of intravenous drug use, and primarily diagnosed in hospitals, were similar between the two groups. The elderly group had more married, divorced, and separated individuals, and widows/widowers than the younger group. The causes of death differed insignificantly between the two groups. The younger group had more variety than the elderly group in distribution of occupations. Fewer prison-diagnosed HIV, high ratio of individuals developing AIDS, heterosexuals, high mortality, and unsupported marital status were significant markers of elderly HIV-infected subjects.

In Taiwan, elderly HIV infections have reflected the aforementioned characteristics. Some specific issues concerning elderly HIV infections, such as heterosexual predominance, high mortality and fewer men who have sex with men, are similar with reports from other countries. These characteristics can guide possible directions of social and health care interventions.