Abstract
Objective
To evaluate functional ability of older people with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
Methods
This cross-sectional study using observational epidemiological inquiry collected data through interviews and from medical record of 142 older people with HIV/AIDS age 60 to 81 years. Participants were evaluated for cognitive functionality, mental health and activities of daily living domains. We conducted absolute and relative analyses of continuous variables and associations of independent variables.
Results
Among the study participants, 82.39% had AIDS, 35.2% had more than 9 years of formal education, and 35% were still using cannabis. HIV was transmitted during heterosexual intercourse in 71.7% of participants and through sex with multiple partners in 70.3%. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy was satisfactory. Functional loss was significant among those age 70 years or older from both sexes.
Conclusion
Functional loss of older people with HIV/AIDS did not differ from results found in the literature among the HIV-negative aging population.
Public health nursing; Disabled persons; Nursing care; Functioning; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Aged