Grant: Doctoral Research Award - Priority Announcement: HIV/AIDS - Social Science

This study will explore psychological and social needs that older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adults with HIV/AIDS develop or arrive with when accessing health care services in Canada, and will additionally examine the same range of needs in older LGBTQ adults with other chronic illnesses as grounds for comparison. Past studies have indicated that older HIV-positive LGBTQ adults experience discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV/AIDS stigma, but research examining these barriers in relation to health care access remains absent. Further, although a limited body of literature suggests HIV/AIDS-related stigma produces unique service needs among seropositive LGBTQ persons, no known research exists to compare the needs of older HIV-positive LGBTQ adults and those of LGTBQ seniors who have other chronic illnesses. By addressing these gaps in the literature, the study will generate insight into psychological and social needs that may be integrated in the delivery of health care services to make them more accessible to older LGBTQ adults living with HIV/AIDS. Approximately 25 HIV-positive adults over the age of 50 self-identifying as LGBTQ will participate in in-person semi-structured interviews, along with 10-15 LGBTQ adults living with other chronic illnesses, also over the age of 50. AIDS service organizations and LGBTQ community agencies will assist with recruitment across two Canadian urban centres (Toronto and Vancouver). All participants will be invited to share psychological and social needs they have during experiences of accessing care in the context of their health conditions. Qualitative data will be transcribed, organized, and coded, resulting in a foundation for analyzing implications of the study's findings on health care program development, policy, and research. The final report may be used to inform improvements in access to health services for LGBTQ seniors with HIV/AIDS.