Limited progress on QoL goals reported for persons with HIV aged 50 years and older

For people diagnosed with HIV (PWH) aged 50 and older, progress on quality of life (QoL) goals is limited, according to a study published online Sept. 12 in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Linda Beer, Ph.D., of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and colleagues examined progress toward goals to improve quality of life, identified as a priority of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for PWH, among PWH aged 50 and older. Progress was assessed using data collected during the 2017 to 2022 cycles of the Medical Monitoring Project. The recent estimated annual percent change from baseline to 2022 was calculated for each of five indicators: self-reported health, unmet mental health needs, unemployment, hunger or food insecurity, and unstable housing or homelessness.

The researchers found that the 2025 target of 95 percent PWH reporting good or better self-reported health is 46.2 percent higher than the 2022 estimate, while the 2025 targets for a 50 percent reduction in the other indicators ranged from 26.3 to 56.3 percent lower than the 2022 estimates. The only target met in 2022 was a 50 percent reduction in hunger or food insecurity among PWH aged 65 and older. Other 2025 QoL targets are unlikely to be met if recent trends continue.

“CDC will continue to monitor quality of life among PWH to identify areas for intervention. This information can be used to guide multisectoral implementation of programmatic efforts and to guide future goals for improving health and well-being among older PWH,” the authors write.

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