Abstract

Purpose: To recognize and raise awareness about the psychosocial status and health outcomes in older adults living with HIV. Method: A literature search was conducted from the disciplines of nursing and medicine using the CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline databases. Inclusion criteria: articles exploring older adults who are HIV positive and factors related to depression, suicide and available healthcare resources. Exclusion criteria: articles including individuals under the age of 50 infected with HIV/AIDS and articles focused entirely on physiologic principles of HIV/AIDS. Results: In older adults living with HIV/AIDS, the literature review disclosed a comprehensive gap between identifying this age group as 'at risk', lack of communication between health care providers and older adults concerning sexual activity and/or status, and recurring psychosocial components related to lack of resources and standards of care among older adults living with HIV/AIDS. An unbalanced amount of research has focused on the care and prevention of HIV/AIDS among young adult populations, while a limited amount of research is geared toward detection, prevention and interventions for HIV/AIDS in older adults. Findings suggest that HIV/AIDS is a syndrome of bias based on age and/or gender by health care providers. Solutions to this epidemic must begin with an all inclusive plan that investigates the prevention, identification and intervention across the lifespan. Discussion: As the country ages and the population of older adults increase, nurses will encounter an increasing number of older adults living with HIV/AIDS. In order to competently provide quality care to older adults with a positive HIV/AIDS status, further research is needed to bridge the gap of literature connecting psychosocial aspects of care and accompanying health outcomes.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2012

Semester

Summer

Advisor

D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Nursing;Nursing -- Dissertations, Academic

Location

UCF Daytona Beach

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004253

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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Included in

Nursing Commons

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