AIDS after the age of 50

incidence from 2003 to 2013 in the city of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, and the perception on the disease of the elderly of a Basic Health Care Unit

Abstract

Introduction: The advances in medicine and technology favor aging, thus prolonging sexuality. Concomitantly, AIDS cases present growth on such an unassisted population. Objective: To estimate the incidence of AIDS in people aged 50 years of more in the city of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, and to verify their knowledge about the disease in a Basic Health Care Unit (Unidade Básica de Saúde). Methods: A retrospective study of AIDS incidence based on cases reported in the electronic system of the São Paulo State Health Department between 2003 and 2013. The elderly perception on the disease was evaluated through questionnaires, before and after the educational intervention (leaflets). Data were compared using the McNemar Chi-square test. Results: From 2003 to 2013, 224 new cases of AIDS were reported in the studied population, with a predominance of males. Although there was some oscillation in the incidence, a comparison between the beginning and the end of the studied period revealed a 68% decrease in new notified cases. Questionnaires were answered by 34 men and 66 women ranging 50 to 88 years of age. Most of them (59%) reported having a steady partner and denied the use of condom (87%). After the educational activity, only 5% remained in doubt and 68% showed interest in obtaining information about STDs at the Basic Health Care Unit. Conclusion: An instability in the incidence of AIDS was observed within the city; however, during the studied period there was a significant reduction in cases. Most of the interviewees did not know about AIDS, and the leaflets proved to be a simple and effective tool.