[A qualitative study on high risk behaviors and related factors of reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 60 years and above in some areas of Henan province].

ABSTRACT

Objective: To understand the major high risk behaviors and related factors among reported HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥60 years in some areas of Henan province. Methods: In Dengzhou, Xunxian county of Hebi and Xiangcheng county of Xuchang, where the reported number and proportion of HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥60 years were high, a face to face interview was conducted among the cases aged ≥60 years during July-August in 2016. The information about the high risk behaviors before HIV infection confirmation were collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 33 HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥60 years were interviewed, including 28 males and 5 females. Their average age was 67.4 years. The infection route was sexual contact. The main findings revealed that the main factor for HIV infection in elder males was commercial heterosexual behavior with local female sex workers. The condom use rate was low. The poor awareness of the knowledge about AIDS prevention could explain why the elderly could not recognize the risk of HIV infection. There were also homosexual and bisexual behaviors in elder male HIV/AIDS patients. Late detection of HIV transmission among couples was the main cause of HIV infection in elder women. Conclusions: The major epidemiological related factors for HIV infection in the elderly in some areas of Henan were unsafe sex behavior and the poor awareness of knowledge about AIDS prevention. A targeted strategy should be taken to control the spread of HIV in the elderly.