Intervention program needs for older adults living with HIV who are childhood sexual abuse survivors

Abstract

Objectives

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) prevalence estimates range from 8-11% among older adults and may range from 16 to 22% among older adults living with HIV (OALH). CSA experiences can still impact the quality of life of older adults. To the best of our knowledge, however, there are no CSA-focused interventions tailored for OALH. Using a qualitative approach, this study characterized the desired components of a trauma-focused intervention for OALH who are CSA survivors.

Methods

Twenty-four (24) adults aged 50 years of age or older who were living with HIV and had experienced CSA were recruited from a large HIV immunology center in South Carolina. Participants completed in-depth, qualitative, semi-structured interviews. We iteratively examined verbatim transcripts using thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged: program format and modality, program content, and program coordinator. Most participants expressed a desire for a trauma-focused intervention program in which the CSA experience was addressed and they could talk to someone either individually, as a group, and/or both.

Conclusion

A trauma-focused intervention addressing CSA may be helpful for OALH who are CSA survivors. Future research should focus on designing and implementing age-appropriate interventions addressing the CSA experience, increasing resilience, and developing adaptive coping skills.

Keywords:

• Interventions
• childhood trauma
• HIV
• aging
• abuse/neglect
• qualitative methods
• psychosocial interventions
• stress
• trauma

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K01MH115794 awarded to MJB. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.