Health problems and challenges due to aging among people living with HIV aged 50 and older: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: With the advancement of treatment, the number of older people living with HIV is gradually increasing. This study aimed to explore age-related changes in health problems and challenges in health management among older adults living with HIV in Korea. METHODS: This study used a qualitative descriptive design. The participants included 12 people living with HIV aged 50 and older. Data were collected through individual interviews using open and semi-structured questions from September 2023 to January 2024. They were analyzed using conventional content analysis methods as suggested by Elo and Kyngäs, utilizing MAXQDA 24 software. RESULTS: Two main themes, five generic categories, and 12 sub-categories were identified regarding health issue changes and health management challenges and limitations in daily life among the participants. The five generic categories were “stabilization of HIV treatment,” “health issues due to aging,” “physical aspects,” “mental aspects,” and “social aspects.” CONCLUSION: While treatment for HIV infection among older people living with HIV has stabilized, new health problems due to aging and difficulties in health management in physical, mental, and social aspects have emerged. It is necessary to understand the health problems and difficulties in health management of older people living with HIV and solve them through active intervention. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.