'If I don't take care of me, then I can't be there for others:' a qualitative study of caregiving relationships among older women living with HIV.
Aging Ment Health
; 28(9): 1304-1315, 2024 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38327025
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The population of women ages 50 years and older living with HIV is increasing. Yet, little is known about the care networks that older women living with HIV (OWLH) use to manage their health. The goal of this study was to explore the caregiving and care receiving relationships among OWLH and how these relationships impact HIV management.METHODS:
OWLH aged 50 years and older were recruited from clinics and community-based organizations across the U.S. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth phone interviews and performed content and thematic analysis on transcripts.RESULTS:
Participants (N = 23) were on average 60 years old and had been living with HIV for an average of 23.7 years. Participants 1) relied on diverse care networks; 2) were caregivers for grandchildren and parents; 3) had pride and joy in being caregivers; and 4) were highly proactive in their own HIV management. Care networks promoted self-love and acceptance. However, concerns about aging with HIV were still highly prevalent.CONCLUSION:
Being a caregiver and care recipient are sources of meaning and strength to help OWLH manage HIV. Public health programs should consider engaging both OWLH and their care networks in healthcare discussions and educational efforts.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Infecciones por VIH
/
Cuidadores
/
Investigación Cualitativa
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Aging Ment Health
Asunto de la revista:
GERIATRIA
/
PSICOLOGIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos