Theory-Based Policy Development for HIV Prevention in Racial/Ethnic Minority Midlife and Older Women

ABSTRACT

In 2008, there were more than a million persons with HIV/AIDS in the United States. The CDC (2007) estimates that 15% of persons with HIV/AIDS are over age 50. At greater risk are women of color. Most intervention efforts have focused on intrapersonal aspects of an individual and his or her sexual-risk behaviors, with little or no attention directed toward interpersonal and socioenvironmental considerations of risk and prevention. This paper considers the limitations of current national policies relating to HIV prevention in minority populations, especially among midlife and older women of color. In particular, this paper examines risk and prevention policies in light of ecological perspectives, social capital, and dialogical theories.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS
• prevention
• midlife women
• older women
• minority women
• African American
• Hispanic

Notes

1. The term HIV/AIDS refers to three categories of diagnoses collectively: (a) a diagnosis of HIV infection (not AIDS), (b) a diagnosis of HIV infection with a later diagnosis of AIDS, and (c) concurrent diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS.

2. The term AIDS refers to persons diagnosed with AIDS.