"I'm too young to be frail!". HIV and attitudes on ageing, quality of life and being assessed for frailty.

Abstract

The attitudes of People Living with HIV (PLWH) towards frailty and maintaining quality of life (QOL) whilst ageing is largely unknown. This study examines how PLWH perceive being assessed for frailty and ageing, and the importance of QOL as they age. 40 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Many of the participants voiced that ageing was unexpected and were unprepared for this. Main themes for ageing included self-determination and loss of independence; concern for the future including care provision, services required for ageing and fear of admission into aged care. Themes associated with frailty were, future loss of physical function and the assessment process reflecting both positive (proactive) and negative (confronting) responses regarding ageing and frailty as many participants felt they were too young to be considered frail. Themes for quality of life included the importance of self-expression and independence; connection to others, having adequate finances to enjoy life, having baseline needs met such as housing and having a positive outlook on the future. This study highlighted the importance of talking about ageing and how frailty is framed in discussions to develop individualised strategies for PLWH to decrease risk factors for frailty.