Social networks of older adults living with HIV in Finland.
The aim of this study was to explore the social networks of older adults living with HIV. Interviews were conducted with nine individuals aged 50 or older living with HIV in Helsinki, Finland. Analysis of transcripts was analysed by inductive qualitative content analysis. Results indicated that these participants' networks tended to be large, including those both aware and unaware of the participants' health status. Analysis identified three main themes: large multifaceted social networks, importance of a support group, and downsizing of social networks. Support received appeared to be of great importance in coping with their health condition, especially since the time of diagnosis. Friends and family were the primary source of informal support. The majority of participants relied mostly on friends, some of whom were HIV-positive. Formal support came primarily from the HIV organisation's support group. In this study group, non-disclosure did not impact participants' well-being. In years to come, social networks of older adults living with HIV may shrink due to personal reasons other than HIV-disclosure. What is of primary importance is that healthcare professionals become knowledgeable about psychosocial issues of older adults living with HIV, identifying latent problems and developing adequate interventions in the early stages of the disease; this would help prevent social isolation and foster successful ageing with HIV.
a Haartman Hospital's Emergency Department , Helsinki , Finland.|b School of Health Sciences, Public Health , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.
Nuno Ribeiro
NR
Nobre
b School of Health Sciences, Public Health , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.
Jari
J
Kylmä
b School of Health Sciences, Public Health , University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland.
Tapio
T
Kirsi
c Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences , University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal.
Marco
M
Pereira
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D033062:Friends; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012934:Social Isolation; D060756:Social Networking; D012944:Social Support
HIV; older adults; social networks; social support