A Focus on Aging, HIV/AIDS, and Neurocognitive Challenges: Examining Southern Nevada HIV Sector Providers’ Awareness and Prospective Roles

Brandon Ranuschio, Sherry Bell, Jason D. Flatt, Lianne Barnes, Trinity Puno, Alexander Ribeiro, Nadia Sheik-Yosef, Esmeralda Villalobos, Janelle Wackens and Renato M. Liboro ()
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Brandon Ranuschio: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Sherry Bell: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Jason D. Flatt: Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Lianne Barnes: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Trinity Puno: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Alexander Ribeiro: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Nadia Sheik-Yosef: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Esmeralda Villalobos: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Janelle Wackens: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Renato M. Liboro: Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: Although abundant research has been carried out to investigate the underlying mechanisms that may cause neurocognitive challenges among middle-aged and older people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), to monitor the prevalence rates of HIV-related neurocognitive deficits, and to identify factors related to the improvement of diagnostic screening tools, classification and nosology, and clinical and rehabilitative treatment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND); to date, there have been only a few studies that have explored and examined the awareness and work experiences HIV sector healthcare and service providers have related to HAND. To address this research gap, we conducted a qualitative, community-based participatory research study and interviewed 12 HIV sector providers in Southern Nevada, USA, from January to April 2022. After performing a thematic analysis of our interviews, we were able to identify two major themes and several sub-themes. Under our first major theme, provider awareness and knowledge, we identified four sub-themes: (1) prior knowledge and current awareness; (2) lived experiences of patients and clients with neurocognitive challenges; (3) lack of knowledge as a barrier to providing needed care; and (4) continuing education and professional development. Under our second major theme, prospective provider roles, we identified three sub-themes: (1) early detection; (2) direct and practical support; and (3) appropriate and timely referrals. In this article, we discuss our findings and lessons learned from our study, as well as their implications for the future work of researchers and providers in the HIV sector related to improving care and support for people aging with HIV/AIDS and experiencing neurocognitive challenges.

Keywords: aging; healthcare and service providers; HIV/AIDS; HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder; neurocognitive challenges; older people living with HIV/AIDS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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