Ageing with HIV in Ghana: an analysis of the age group 50 years plus

Abstract

Data on HIV amongst the age group 50 years and above are relatively poor in many countries, including sub-Saharan Africa. The main goal of this study was to provide a set of baseline characteristics of older people living with HIV (PLHIV). Furthermore, the study sought to identify whether the analysed characteristics revealed gender disparities. A retrospective analysis of patient data at a private HIV clinic in Ghana was performed. Demographic, behavioural and clinical characteristics of 282 PLHIV aged 50 years or older at their most recent consultation between 2015 and 2019 were selected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The median age was 56 years, and 57% (162/282) of subjects were female. Sexual activity was confirmed by 44.2% (111/251) of subjects, more frequently by men. Nearly all patients (97.3%, 249/256) were on antiretroviral treatment, and 70.2% (172/245) adhered well. Viral suppression with < 1000 copies/mL was achieved by 63.6% (89/140) of patients, more frequently by women. Non-disclosure of HIV status was reported by 73.5% (191/260) of patients, with more women not having disclosed their status. Our finding of high non-disclosure rates could indicate that stigma and discrimination are amongst one of the biggest challenges for this age group. With regard to the WHO “fourth 90” target, further research is needed to learn more about the health situations and needs of PLHIV aged 50 and over, especially in a geographical area where specific HIV data are sparse.