Abstract:
Background: Finding HIV infected persons and engaging them in care is crucial in achieving UNAIDS 90–90-90
targets; diagnosing 90% of those infected with HIV, initiating 90% of the diagnosed on ART and achieving viral
suppression in 90% of those on ART. To achieve the first target, no person should be left behind in their access to
HIV testing services. In Kenya, HIV prevention and testing services give less emphasis on older adults. This article
describes HIV testing experiences of older adults living with HIV and how their age shaped their interaction and
treatment received during HIV testing and diagnosis.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in two HIV clinics (rural and urban) in western Kenya, and recruited 57
HIV infected persons aged ≥50 years. We conducted in depth interviews (IDIs) with 25 participants and 4 focus
group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 32 participants and audio recorded all the sessions. Participants recruited
were aged between 54 and 79 years with 43% being females. We transcribed audio records and analyzed the data
using thematic content analysis method.
Results: Older persons’ experiences with HIV testing depended on where they tested (hospital or community
setting); whether they actively sought the testing or not; and the age and gender of the healthcare provider who
conducted the test. Participants expressed concerns with ageist discrimination when actively seeking HIV care
testing services in hospital settings, characterized by providers’ reluctance or refusal to test. The testing and
counseling sessions were described as short and hurried within the hospital settings, whereas the interactions with
service providers in home-based testing were experienced as appropriate and supportive. Participants in this study
expressed preference for healthcare providers who were older and of similar gender.
Conclusion: HIV testing services are still not tailored to target older adults’ needs in our setting resulting in late
diagnosis among older persons. We argue that a scale-up of community level testing services that provide
adequate testing and counselling time and actively reach out to older adults is key to attaining the UNAIDS targets
of having 90% of PLWH know their status
