As the HIV epidemic enters into its fourth decade, the epidemiology continues to
change and the response continues to adapt. One of the most significant trends in
HIV in developed countries has been the ageing of the cohort as HIV-positive
individuals infected while young survive longer with anti-retroviral treatment and due
to ongoing sexual transmission among those aged 50 years and older. In the United
States for example, recent estimates have noted that around 50% of people living with
HIV will be older than 50 by 2015.
Despite these clear trends and their significant implications for prevention, care and
treatment – specifically with regard to co-morbidity with various chronic diseases –
very little analysis has been conducted on the HIV and ageing phenomenon in
developing countries.
This thesis aims to address the shortage of evidence in this emerging area by focusing
on HIV infection among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa – the region where the
HIV burden is greatest – from a number of different quantitative angles.
This thesis contains five published works. The University of Sydney’s Academic
Board approved submission of published work as a thesis on 14 August 2002. The
thesis adheres to the University of Sydney thesis by publication format.
4
Chapter One highlights the high rates of AIDS-related mortality among older adults in
a rural community in high prevalence western Kenya. This mortality underscores the
need to better understand the issue of HIV among older adults in Africa.
Chapter Two estimates the number of people aged 50 years and older living with HIV
in sub-Saharan Africa using United Nations data. Chapter Three examines HIVrelated
awareness, knowledge and testing behaviour among those aged 50 years and
older in nine rural sites in seven African countries.
Chapter Four examines HIV infection and treatment outcomes among older adults in
Zomba District in Malawi. Chapter Five uses a large population-based survey among
older adults in South Africa to develop a picture of HIV infection along with an
examination of rates of diabetes, stroke, arthritis, depression and other conditions.
Together, these papers and chapters explore the multi-faceted aspects of HIV among
older adults in Africa. Mortality, epidemiology, awareness, treatment outcomes and
co-morbidities are all addressed to develop a fuller quantitatively-driven picture of the
issues and challenges facing older adults and the responses needed for this important
emerging trend.