Implications for HIV/AIDS Research and Education among Ethnic Minority Older Adults

Purpose: Adults over 50 years of age constitute 11% of new AIDS cases reported (CDC, 2007 Centers for Disease Control . ( 2007, June ). 2005 HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report. Retrieved May 19, 2008, from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/datarevision.htm [Google Scholar]). In addition to consistent rates of infection among older adults, there is a disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on ethnic minority older adults. Despite the steady rise and projections of increase, there is still a paucity of education and prevention programs targeting this population. This article addresses these demographic trends by reporting on findings about HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes toward sexuality, risk behaviors, and participation in HIV/AIDS education programs from an ethnically diverse sample of adults 50 years and older. Design and Methods: A purposive sample (N = 249) of ethnically and economically diverse adults 50 years and older were selected from 14 organizations in rural and urban settings in California. They were surveyed to determine their HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes toward sexuality, high-risk behaviors, and interest in participating in HIV/AIDS education prevention programs. Results: (a) ethnic minority group participants had lower levels of knowledge; (b) over 50% of the sample believed that they do not have to be concerned about HIV/AIDS infection; and (c) participants who self-identified as Hispanic were overrepresented in the group that is likely or very likely to attend HIV/AIDS education programs. Implications: Older adults of color 50 years and older are sexually active, lack accurate information about HIV/AIDS and are in need of HIV/AIDS education. Methodological issues and recommendations are made concerning ethnically diverse older adults and HIV/AIDS.