Differences in infection and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among older adults in Columbus, Ohio

by Ethan Morgan, Christina Dyar, Brian A. Feinstein

In the United States, rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased year after year for the past six consecutive years. Even so, the majority of research has focused on younger populations with little work examining infections and prevention methods among older adults.

Data come from the Columbus Health Aging Project (N = 794). This study was designed to assess several domains of health among adults aged 50 years and older in Columbus, Ohio with a particular focus on addressing disparities based on sexual and gender identity. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sociodemographic factors and risk of STI acquisition, HIV diagnosis, and several common prevention methods, adjusting for known confounders.

Key results suggest that cisgender women, intersex individuals, and transgender women are less likely to use condoms relative to cisgender men. Meanwhile, white individuals were least likely to use condoms while bisexual individuals were most likely. Transgender women and those living with family/roommates were most likely to use PrEP/PEP relative to cisgender men and those living with a spouse or partner. Cisgender women, compared to cisgender men, were most likely to report not using any prevention method.

This study highlights the need for better research among older adults in order to ascertain how interventions may be targeted to specific populations. Future research should aim to educate individuals differently based on their specific needs rather than treating older adults as a homogenous population or ignoring their sexually active nature entirely.