HIV & Aging

The effects of HIV disease and HIV treatments on healthy weight have been a concern since the early days of the epidemic. Yet the associations between changes in weight, antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, body dissatisfaction, and sociocultural factors are complex and not well understood. The purpose of this study is to better understand how people with HIV (PWH) experience effects such as weight change in their daily lives and their satisfaction with their body image in the context of ART and sociocultural factors, since these experiences can influence adherence to ART, sexual risk, and other health behaviors. The study also explores the impact of aging on attitudes toward weight change, healthy weight, and appearance.

This study is a collaboration between Brookdale and Amida Care, a managed care special needs plan for people with or at risk for HIV. The study uses a mixed methods qualitative and cross-sectional quantitative design. Participants were recruited through Amida Care. Findings from this study will inform the dialogue between patients and clinicians for determining the best ART regimen, managing weight and other health concerns, providing patient education, and supporting better overall quality of life for PWH.

Dr. Mark Brennan-Ing, director of research and evaluation at Brookdale, and Dr. Jerome Ernst, chief medical officer at Amida Care, are the Principal Investigators on this study, which was funded by Gilead Sciences.

Findings from this project have been presented in posters at the International AIDS Society conference in July 2023 and the AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting in June 2024 and as part of a symposium at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting in November 2023.