title: [Epidemiological characteristics of AIDS cases in persons aged 60 years or older, Pernambuco State, Brazil, 1998 to 2008].
abstract: Changes have occurred in the world scenario in recent years due to declining fertility and mortality, and longevity has thus appeared as a real phenomenon. Sexuality of the elderly is viewed with various prejudices. The current study characterized AIDS cases in persons 60 years or older in Pernambuco State, Brazil, reported to the State Health Department from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2008. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed with data from the Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN). In 1998 the AIDS incidence rate in the target age bracket was 1.6 cases per 100 thousand, increasing to 4.8 per 100 thousand in 2008, or an increase of 200%. There is thus an evident need to develop measures for prevention, diagnosis, and patient care specifically targeting the elderly, since sexuality in this age bracket is still enshrouded by myths and taboos.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brasil.
authors.forename: Marcella Monteiro
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Ana Lúcia Ribeiro
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: de Vasconcelos
authors.forename: Leila Karina de Novaes P
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors