Behavioral and Social Sciences
Thi Vu, MPH (she/her/hers)
Doctoral Student
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Yale University School of Public Health
New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Anna Rubtsova, PhD (she/her/hers)
Assistant Research Professor
Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences
Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Thi Vu, MPH (she/her/hers)
Doctoral Student
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Yale University School of Public Health
New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Jasmine Manalel, PhD (she/her/hers)
Senior Research Associate
Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging
Hunter College
New York City, New York, United States
Erin Robinson, PhD, MSW, MPH (she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor
Social Work
University of Missouri School of Social Work
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Julia Rozanova, PhD (she/her/hers)
Associate Research Scientist
Internal Medicine
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut, United States
There are over 4.2 million older adults (ages 50+ years) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally. Older women continue to make up a significant proportion of this population. Advances in antiretroviral therapy treatments have allowed HIV+ individuals to live longer, healthier lives. However, compared to all persons living with HIV, women have lower viral suppression rates and are less likely to be retained in care. While older women living with HIV (WLWH) face unique challenges with HIV prevention and care, such as caregiving responsibilities, gender discrimination, and ageism, there is a dearth of research focusing on their experiences. As the population of older WLWH continues to increase, understanding barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention and care among this population is a public health priority. This symposium will provide insight into psychosocial factors that influence HIV prevention, care, and well-being among older WLWH. Our first presentation highlights a qualitative study identifying sources of strength and concerns about aging with HIV among older women. Our second presentation examines social support networks and interpersonal strain in relation to loneliness among older WLWH. Our third presentation highlights the impact of patient-provider communication regarding HIV/AIDs on sexual health communication between older WLWH and their partners. Our fourth presentation examines mental health vulnerabilities and strengths of older WLWH during the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Discussant Dr. Anna Rubtsova will contextualize these findings and offer suggestions for future research to enhance well-being of older women across the continuum of HIV prevention and care.
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Thi Vu, MPH (she/her/hers) – Yale University School of Public Health
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jasmine Manalel, PhD (she/her/hers) – Hunter College
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Erin Robinson, PhD, MSW, MPH (she/her/hers) – University of Missouri School of Social Work
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Julia Rozanova, PhD (she/her/hers) – Yale University