In 2014, UNAIDS published the Gap Report that identified adults aged 50 years and older as a vulnerable group being left behind in HIV treatment and prevention efforts (UNAIDS, 2014). This manuscript thesis is composed of two data chapters that aim to address the gap in the HIV, aging, and disability literature by exploring what is known about the quality of life and disability experiences of older adults aged 50 years and older living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The purpose of the scoping review was to map out published literature on quality of life among older adults living with HIV in SSA. Following Arksey & O’Malley’s framework for conducting scoping reviews, 6 databases were searched resulting in 1021 titles and abstracts that were screened for inclusion resulting in a total of 8 articles included for review and synthesis. The review confirmed a dearth in research literature on older adults living with HIV in SSA as included studies were only conducted in 2 out of 47 countries in the region. The qualitative study addressed this gap in knowledge by exploring the disability- related experiences of 10 older men and women living with HIV in Zambia. The qualitative study identified 5 major themes: 1. Multiple Symptoms and Impairments: Variation in Onset and Duration; 2. Daily Activities and Participation: Shaped by Gender Roles; 3. HIV Status Disclosure: Hindered by Stigma, Driven By A Purpose; 4) Poverty and Food Insecurity: Precarious Employment; and 5) Managing An Altered Uncertainty: Changes Resulting From A Prolonged Life. These findings demonstrated that while participants were benefiting from antiretroviral therapy, many still experienced disability. The component studies in this thesis complement one another and advance dialogue about the quality of life and experiences of disability in older adults living with HIV in SSA and points to a need for further research so that fewer people are left behind. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/18209 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Cheuk, Samantha |
| Contributors | Solomon, Patty, Global Health |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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