The experiences of older Black African women living with HIV in the UK
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do older Black African women living in the UK experience and make sense of living with HIV?
IRAS ID
181095
Contact name
Kuljit Heer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 24 days
Research summary
Prevalence figures suggest that older people, those aged 50 years and over, are the fastest growing group of people living with HIV in the United Kingdom. Many people do not consider age 50 to be “old” however, statistics on “older people” with HIV and AIDS use the cut-off age of 50 (Public Health England, 2013; UNAIDS, 2013). In 2013 approximately 27% of individuals living with HIV in the UK were aged over 50, almost double the proportion in 2004 (13%) (Public Health England, 2013). Estimates further suggest that these figures are expected to double over the next five years. People with HIV appear to be living longer due to advances in medical treatment such as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In the UK, Black African communities make up the second largest group affected by HIV. There is a body of research exploring the issues of migration, poverty, citizenship, cultural issues, stigma and psychosocial impacting the experiences of African individuals living with HIV in the UK (Flowers et al. 2006; Ibrahim, Anderson, Bukutu & Elford, 2008; Papadopoulos, 2001). However, it appears that currently very little is known about the experiences of older Black African women living with HIV in the UK, in particular about the impact of ageing on these individuals and consequently their specific needs. This study therefore aims to use semi-structured qualitative interviews with between four to ten older (aged 50+)women who define themselves as Black African, living with HIV in the UK to explore how they experience and make sense of living with HIV. Participants will be recruited from a NHS HIV unit as well as a support group. It is anticipated that the findings will help to inform service delivery for this group of people.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
15/ES/0119
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion