Exploring the impacts of and reactions to HIV diagnosis in older adults: narratives from Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa

Nyashanu, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9231-0393 and Lekalakala-Mokgele, E, 2022. Exploring the impacts of and reactions to HIV diagnosis in older adults: narratives from Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa. African Journal of AIDS Research. ISSN 1608-5906

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Abstract

There is an increase in prevalence of HIV infection among older adults in South Africa. Due to focus on traditionally known HIV high risk groups this new emerging social group is being missed by public health practitioners. This paper was set to explore the reaction to HIV infection among older adults at the point of diagnosis. This study used a qualitative exploratory design that included a purposive sample of older HIV-infected men and women currently receiving HIV healthcare services from a treatment centre The researcher recruited 12 participants, Seven women and five men who met the study’s inclusion criteria. Face to face interviews were used to collect data. A thematic approach was used to analyse data. The study found that reaction of older adults following HIV diagnosis included: Anger and shock, Feeling suicidal, Blaming, Fear of stigma and discrimination, Loss of trust and intimacy, Fear of disclosure to new partners and Denial. There is need for an urgent attention to improve sexual health and HIV services to cater for the needs of older adults.

Item Type:	Journal article
Alternative Title:	Exploring reaction to HIV infection among older adults in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa: Narratives of older people responding to HIV infection at the point of diagnosis.
Publication Title:	African Journal of AIDS Research
Creators:	Nyashanu, M. and Lekalakala-Mokgele, E.
Publisher:	National Inquiry Services Centre
Date:	14 September 2022
ISSN:	1608-5906
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.2989/16085906.2022.2042339 DOI 1601142 Other
Rights:	This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in African Journal of AIDS Research on 14th September 2022, available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.2989/16085906.2022.2042339
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Laura Ward
Date Added:	22 Sep 2022 15:29
Last Modified:	14 Sep 2023 03:00
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/47088

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