HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS: STUDY ON ITS INCIDENCE IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS IN THE FEDERAL DISTRICT

Abstract

Introduction: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has progressively affected the elderly population in Brazil, revealing a worrying trend in the increase of HIV/AIDS cases in people over 50 years of age. Objective: to quantitatively analyze the number of HIV/AIDS cases in people over 50 years of age in Brazil, with the aim of understanding the spread of the disease among the elderly and promoting a critical reflection on public health policies aimed at this group. Methodology: An integrative literature review with a qualitative approach was carried out. The research used Health Descriptors (DeCS)/Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR, including the keywords "Elderly", "HIV", "AIDS", "Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis", and "Post-Exposure Prophylaxis". The databases consulted were SciELO, PubMed and CAPES journals, covering the period from 2019 to 2023. Results: the impact of HIV/AIDS on the elderly population in Brazil highlights gaps in prevention and treatment programs. Conclusion: The lack of adequate guidance in medical consultations, combined with the difficulty of elderly people in discussing their sexuality with health professionals, hinders early diagnosis and immediate treatment. In addition, antiretroviral therapy, although essential for the quality of life of HIV carriers, can lead to the development of comorbidities, reinforcing the need for multidisciplinary interventions.