Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, few studies exist on elderly HIV-positive populations. Therefore, we aimed to examine the profiles of elderly people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Burkina Faso and their response to antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Methods: We reviewed the monitoring and treatment of PLHIV over the age of 50 years and then compared with the monitoring and treatment of PLHIV under 50 years.
Results: A total of 3367 patients were included. The median age of elderly people was 54.5 years and of young people was 34.9 years ( P = .03). In both the groups, screening was performed following clinical suspicion (64.9% in elderly versus 56% in young people; P < .001). Cardiovascular risk factors were generally more significant in the elderly people. The risk of death while on ART was 2.3 times higher in elderly people ( P < .001).
Conclusion: HIV infection in older people occurs in those who already have some cardiovascular risk factors. Particular attention should be given to multidisciplinary care for the elderly individuals.
Keywords: ART; Bobo-Dioulasso; Burkina Faso; HIV; elderly.