Aging and thriving with HIV: a photovoice project with long-term HIV survivors in Miami, Florida

Arts Health. 2021 Oct;13(3):329-346. doi: 10.1080/17533015.2020.1821386. Epub 2020 Sep 19.

Abstract

Background: Long-term survivors of HIV in Miami, Florida are facing critical health and social issues as they age with this disease.

Methods: Using PhotoVoice methodology, nine Latino/a activist-artists were recruited to take pictures depicting their everyday life-challenges to be used in several photography exhibits aimed at informing local policy direction.

Results: The group identified a positive approach to aging with HIV as a priority at the individual, community and policy level, emphasizing policy alternatives to the negative and disease-ridden stereotypes that embed current discussions on living and aging with HIV. The activists highlight specific community and policy solutions that respond to the growing needs of long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS among Latino communities in South Florida.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that Miami (and areas with a large HIV-positive population) may benefit from community and policy solutions that take a successful aging approach and build upon the resiliency of this population.

Keywords: Digital Media; HIV; miami; photo Voice; successful Aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Florida / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Photography
  • Survivors*