HIV/AIDS Infection in People Aged 50 and Older in Guantánamo Province

Abstract

Introduction: The epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has changed in recent years. Currently, there is an increase in diagnoses in people aged 50 years and over worldwide. Objective: To describe patients aged 50 years and older infected with the human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Methods: This is a descriptive study. The study universe is eighty eight patients aged 50 years and older in the Guantanamo province, who were diagnosed with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome from January 2010 to December 2019. The variables determined were age, sex, sexual orientation, research group, diagnoses per year and number of deaths by sex, according to AIDS-defining illnesses or other causes.

Results: In the period studied, out of the total number of diagnosed patients, men represented 79.5%. The most affected age group was 50 to 59 years old (68.1%). Homosexually was the predominant sexual orientation (40.9%). The most frequent research group was that of those recruited (38.6%). 2019 was the year with the highest incidence. 15.9% of all diagnosed patients died.

Conclusions: It is necessary to address the problem with different clinical epidemiological approach, through educational strategies to allow early diagnosis.