HIV Risk Perceptions Among HIV Infected African-American Adults 50 Years and Older

The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of African American adults 50 years and older about their risk or susceptibility to HIV infection, in the context of what they knew prior to developing HIV infection. African Americans, especially older adults, are increasingly experiencing a surge of incidence and prevalence of HIV along with mortality arising from HIV infections, more than other groups irrespective of socioeconomic status, age, and gender. Many older African American adults fail to perceive that they are at an increased risk for HIV infection. Additionally, healthcare providers misperceive and stereotype the risk of HIV infections among older African American adults and fail to include them as a primary preventive target audience for both sex education and HIV testing. This study used the phenomenological approach to investigate the lived experiences of HIV infected African American adults 50 years and older with respect to their perceptions of HIV risk prior to developing HIV infection. The health belief model was used as the conceptual framework to understand the data. To investigate the problem, 9 African American participants were recruited using a purposive convenience sampling technique with the assistance of a community clinic. Participants were interviewed, and data were analyzed by coding and identification of themes. Results indicated that (a) there needs to be more dialogue between doctors and patients and their partners and (b) condom use, and taking responsibility reduces the risk of new HIV for this group. The study contributes to social change by recommending educational approaches that help prevent HIV infection and the related morbidity and mortality, while increasing the health and well-being of African American adults 50 years and older.