Health-related quality of life in persons younger and older than 50 who are living with HIV/AIDS

Mortality rates are higher in older persons with AIDS. The Wilson and Cleary health-related quality-of-life model was used to explore whether there were differences on health-related quality-of-life variables between persons aged 50 or older (n = 73) and younger persons (n = 640) in a national sample. Depending on the level of the data, either independent t tests or chi-squares were calculated. Older participants reported significantly more medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension (p = .000), more limitations in physical functioning (p = .006), and self-disclosure of HIV infection to fewer people (p = .000). There were no significant differences on any of the other variables. There are relatively few differences in older as compared to younger persons living with HIV/AIDS, yet mortality rates are higher in older samples. The relationship between the areas where there are differences and whether they affect morbidity and mortality need further exploration.