The Effects of Locus of Control, Social Support, and Stigma on the HIV Care Continuum in an Aging HIV-infected Population

Research on how psychosocial factors affect older people living with HIV is limited despite the growing demographic. The purpose of this study was to determine how locus of control (LOC), HIV stigma, and social support affect older patients' progression through the HIV care continuum. A convenience sample of English-speaking, HIV-infected patients from a single center were surveyed. Measures marking progress through the continuum included appointment history, viral load, and CD4 count. Of the 58 subjects enrolled, 78% were &50 years old. This older cohort had similar outcomes compared to their younger peers. Among older subjects, engagement in care was associated with less social support (P = .04). In logistical regression modeling, white ethnicity (OR = 7.10) and external LOC (OR = 1.74) were associated with progression through all stages of the care continuum for older subjects. Our findings suggest that LOC and social support may be important targets for interventions to positively impact older HIV-infected patients.

Duke Scholars

Author David Carl Steffens Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Adult Psychiatry & Psychol ...