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A Pilot Study Profiling Frailty and Ageing in a Population of Older Adults Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Background: Due to advances in healthcare people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWH) are for the first time reaching older age. Research shows that PLWH suffer from premature ageing syndromes including frailty younger than the general population (Bhatia et al., 2012). The aim of this pilot study was to profile frailty in a population of older PLWH in a single centre caring for HIV+ patients. Secondary objectives were to investigate levels of social connectedness, quality of life and perceptions about ageing.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Seventeen participants aged 50 years or older attending the Infectious Diseases Services at St. James's Hospital were assessed for frailty using the Fried frailty phenotype. Males accounted for 65% of participants (n = 11). The median age was 55 years (IQR = 11) and median number of years since HIV diagnosis was 9 years (IQR = 15). Social connectedness (Lubben Social Network Scale-6 [LSNS-6]), quality of life (Control, Autonomy, Social & Pleasure Scale-19 [CASP-19]) and perceptions about ageing (Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire [APQ]) were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Ethical approval was obtained from St. James's Hospital/ Tallaght REC.

Results: Frailty prevalence was 6% (n = 1). Pre-frailty was highly prevalent at 71% (n = 12). Levels of social connectedness indicated moderate social connection with a median score of 16 (IQR = 10) on the LSNS-6. Low levels of physical activity were observed in over half of participants (n = 9). The CASP-19 showed moderate quality of life with a median score of 39 (IQR = 11). Perceptions about ageing were largely positive with a median APQ score of 22.7 (IQR = 3.4).

Conclusion: In this pilot study, older PLWH presented with high levels of pre-frailty, moderate levels of social connectedness, low levels of physical activity, moderate quality of life & largely positive perceptions about ageing. Further investigation of the HIV+ cohort > 50 years of age (n = 461) is planned.