AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #173 - Love and sex life of people living with HIV 50 years and over: A qualitative research conducted among men and women in Montreal.
Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Isabelle Wallach - Clinique l'Actuel
Additional Authors: Mr. Michel Martel, Ms. Xuân Ducandas,
Aim: Though it has been associated with young population for a long time, HIV infection is increasingly affecting the ageing population. Thus, in Canada, in 2008, 15, 3 % of new HIV diagnosis and 21, 6% of AIDS cases involved people 50 years and over. While several studies have explored the social dimensions of aging with HIV, as far as we know there is no research on the love and sex life of people living with HIV 50 years and over (PLHIV50+). In order to address this gap, our study aims therefore at documenting the situation and obstacles encountered by PLHIV50+ in this intimate sphere, regarding the intersection of both HIV and ageing.
Method / Issue: Using a qualitative approach, this research is based on individual semi-structured in-depth interviews, which average duration was of two hours and a half. Recruitment of participants was carried out in a medical clinic located in Montreal (Canada). The sample population includes about twenty participants (men who have sex with men, heterosexual women and men), all aged 50 and over and living with HIV. Data analysis is founded upon an ethnographic qualitative approach, and was carried out using QDA Miner software.
Results / Comments: Data analysis firstly allowed us to document the characteristics of participants’ love and sex life. Whereas some of them lead an active sex life, several report a decrease of their sexual activity or encounter difficulties pertaining to their sexuality. Similarly, in the realm of emotional life, if a few participants are in an ongoing and satisfying relationship, many experience difficulties in their current relationship, or in meeting a new partner, undergoing therefore an involuntary celibacy. Some of them mention having relinquished any love or sex life. Regarding the nature of their hardships in their intimate life, they turn out to be often linked to HIV and/or ageing. The most frequently described barriers are: ageism, age-related hormonal changes, physical health problems belonging to oneself or to a partner, deterioration of physical appearance and loss of seductive power, decreased libido, HIV-related stigma, having to reveal HIV status, fear of rejection as a motive to stay in an unsatisfactory relationship, anxiety of transmitting HIV, as well as experiences of spousal loss and fear of attachment. Unexpectedly, our research also suggests that the intersection of HIV and ageing can constitute a strength in the process of coping with intimate life’s difficulties encountered by PLHIV50+. Thereby, although they aspire to meet a romantic and/or sexual partner, several participants manifest detachment regarding these expectations, due to the paramount value they put in life and to their positive look on existence.
Discussion: Data analysis underlined the variety of situations experienced by the participants in terms of love and sex life. While some of them enjoy a fulfilling love and sex life, a great number seem to face numerous difficulties related to HIV and ageing. The intimate life, scarcely taken into account in studies on PLHIV50+, deserves further investigation in order to be able to provide, eventually, interventions that meet the needs of this population.
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