Hispanic elderly and AID

According to AIDS related literature, there is a strong indication that in the United States the elderly population, especially the elderly Hispanic population, has been ignored since the first recorded AIDS case in 1981. There is very little data on AIDS education, prevention and research available concerning this population.;The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge base and the perceptions of AIDS in the elderly Hispanic population. Twenty-one Hispanic elderly who were over the age of 55 and were members of Club De Las Americas, answered a three-part questionnaire. The study found subjects knowledgeable, although a substantial number of participants believed persons over 50 could not get AIDS. The study supported the strong role of the family in care of their family members who were inflicted with the AIDS virus and the majority of the elderly Hispanics were found to manifest strong religious beliefs and family collectivism.