HIV/AIDS in people aged 50 and older in the province of Las Tunas, a fifteen year study

Abstract

Background: the prevalence of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing in the population aged over 50 years, both due to increased survival and new diagnoses.Objective: to characterize the people aged 50 years and older, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the province of Las Tunas from January 2004 to December 2018.Methods: an observational descriptive study was carried out with the patients and during the period stated in the objective. The universe was made up of 76 patients aged 50 years and older of the province included in the computerized HIV/AIDS register of the Ministry of Public Health. The following variables were assessed: age groups, sex, sexual orientation, source of research and clinical onset. For the analysis of the data descriptive statistics was used.Results: 73,7 % of the cases were diagnosed in the last five-year period, men accounted for 78.9 %, and the 50 to 59 age group was the most affected one, for 73,6 %. The predominant sexual orientation was homosexuality with 63,2 %. The most frequent source of research was detection with 39,5 %, 15,8 % had a clinical onset.Conclusions: in recent years there has been a marked increase of patients with HIV/AIDS aged 50 years and older in Las Tunas.

Keywords

• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• hiv long-term survivors
• middle aged
• antiretroviral therapy, highly active