Older Adults and HIV and STI Screening: The Patient Perspective

To explore patient provider interactions regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening of older adults in Connecticut through a focus group approach. Older adults were defined as individuals over 64 years old. Two focus groups convened. The data analysis revealed that the majority of participants had not been screened for HIV or STIs and had not talked with their health care providers about sexual health in recent years. The lack of conversation about sexual health and sexual health screening was the major barrier to sexual health screening. Instigation of the conversation of sexual health and a positive relationship with the health care provider were suggested to overcome these barriers. Health care providers have an important role in initiating conversation about and screening patients for STIs, including HIV. The media, specifically television, was identified as a potential avenue for successful health education.