HIV Transmission: Myths about Casual Contact and Fear about Medical Procedures Persist Among Older Adults

Abstract

HIV infection among older adults is increasing. Previous research suggests that many older adults do not see themselves as at risk for HIV and that many subscribe to myths related to HIV transmission. In this focus group study (N = 48) we solicited the beliefs that older adults held about HIV. The older adults in this study were knowledgeable about how HIV is typically transmitted. However, we also identified that they subscribed to misconceptions regarding casual contact transmission and were fearful of transmission from the medical system. Educational efforts aimed at older adults must be tailored to address these persistent misconceptions.

Keywords::

• HIV transmission
• older adults
• fear of transmission
• medical procedures
• HIV knowledge

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Pearl J. Aldrich Faculty Research Award provided to Dr. Hughes in support of this work.