South Middlesex Times

A recent study by Rutgers Health has found that social support and robust social networks are essential for the health and well-being of older adults living with HIV. The research, published in AIDS Care, was led by Kristen Krause, an instructor at the Rutgers School of Public Health.

The study focused on the social connections of older people living with HIV in Newark, N.J., a region often overlooked in research targeting this demographic. "This study helps us understand how support networks affect older adults living with HIV and how stigma and fragmented relationships can ultimately make way for negative health outcomes," said Krause.

In the United States, over 1.2 million people live with HIV. Medical advancements have extended their lifespans, altering the perception of HIV as primarily affecting younger individuals. Half of those living with the virus in the U.S. are at least 50 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Older individuals living with HIV often encounter stigma related to their HIV status and age, which can negatively impact their mental health and increase social isolation. Support from various sources such as community organizations, family members, and healthcare workers is crucial in alleviating these challenges.

Research has shown that social support not only buffers against stigma but also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression levels among older people living with HIV. "Social support is a key component of resilience and overcoming challenging obstacles that older adults living with HIV may face," Krause noted.

The researchers recruited 40 participants aged between 51 to 69 through varied sampling methods within the Newark metropolitan area. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews covering topics such as participants’ personal experiences with HIV, social networks, and mental health.

The study findings emphasize the need for older adults living with HIV to cultivate strong support systems. The absence of such networks correlated with a range of difficulties among participants as they age including heightened substance use, depressive episodes, anxiety, homelessness and adverse health consequences.

"It is important for researchers and public health practitioners to work together to develop programs that can help facilitate consistent and affirming interactions for older adults living with HIV," Krause said. She also stressed the need for further research tailored to this population, advocating for increased funding and the development of interventions and programs that foster social support.

The study's co-authors include researchers from the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies within the Rutgers School of Public Health.