Barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in people age 50 and above: a systematic review

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Youssef, Elaney, Wright, Juliet and Davies, Kevin (2017) Barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in people age 50 and above: a systematic review. Clinical Medicine, 17 (6). pp. 508-520. ISSN 1470-2118

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Abstract

Background:
Approximately 13% of people living with HIV in the UK are unaware of their infection. New diagnoses among people ≥50 years is increasing. Unique factors may be associated with testing in this group. This review aims to identify patient and clinician-related barriers/facilitators to HIV testing in people aged ≥50 years.
Methods:
A systematic electronic search was conducted. Papers were assessed for eligibility and data from eligible studies were extracted. Barriers/facilitators were grouped, and number of times reported was noted. Due to considerable heterogeneity, a narrative approach has been undertaken to synthesise data.
Findings:
17 studies were included. Main barriers to testing were low perceived risk, and clinicians’ preconceptions about older people. Main facilitators were regular use of healthcare services or being offered/encouraged to test by a healthcare provider.
Interpretation:
Although being encouraged to test was a common facilitator, clinicians’ preconceptions about older people was the biggest barrier, showing a divide between clinicians’ preconceptions and patient’s expectations, which may impact on testing rates. This review is an important first step to identify potential barriers/facilitators for further study or to be addressed in the design of future interventions.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: HIV testing Barriers Facilitators Older age Systematic Review
Schools and Departments: Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Division of Medical Education
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Marie Shelton
Date Deposited: 26 Sep 2017 15:14
Last Modified: 02 Jul 2019 13:46
URI: http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/70357

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