Geographic Patterns of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Risk Behaviors Among Older Adults: A Strategy for Identifying Space as a Risk Exposure

Authors

• Laneshia R. Conner, University of KentuckyFollow
• Reuben Adatorwovor, University of KentuckyFollow
• Sarah Jane Robbins, University of KentuckyFollow
• Rujeko O. Machinga-Asaolu, University of KentuckyFollow
• Kathryn Showalter, University of Kentucky
• Carrie B. Oser, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined geographical patterns of HIV risk among adults aged 60 and older.

Methods: The 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) weighted data was used to analyze self-reported participation in HIV risk behaviors among older adults (n = 62,852). Logistic regression models were used on a dichotomous HIV risk variable to map the distribution of HIV risk behaviors across both census regions and divisions.

Results: The weighted model revealed significance across regions. Across all regions, identifying as female, identifying as Hispanic, and reporting not having depression were protective from participating in HIV risk behaviors.

Discussion: The geographic heterogeneity in patterns of high-risk behaviors among older adults are discussed, along with the implications of partner access (marital status) and emotional health (depression) that need further examination. Recommendations for additional geographic analysis are made.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Notes/Citation Information

© The Author(s) 2024

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648241273351

Funding Information

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported (in part) by a BIRCWH grant (#K12DA035150) from NIDA and the NIH.

Repository Citation

Conner, Laneshia R.; Adatorwovor, Reuben; Robbins, Sarah Jane; Machinga-Asaolu, Rujeko O.; Showalter, Kathryn; and Oser, Carrie B., "Geographic Patterns of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Risk Behaviors Among Older Adults: A Strategy for Identifying Space as a Risk Exposure" (2025). Social Work Faculty Publications. 26.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_facpub/26