Aging with HIV
Multimorbidity and polypharmacy burden
Bibliographic Data
Background: Aging people living with HIV (PLWH) are at higher risk of multimorbidity and polypharmacy, complicating care. Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in elderly PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Method: In this cross-sectional study, PLWH aged ≥50 were compared with age- and sex-matched people without HIV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of polypharmacy. Results: Multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) was seen in 29% of PLWH and 22% of controls. Osteoporosis (9.5% vs. 2.3%) and psychiatric disorders (9.5% vs. 2.8%) were significantly more common in PLWH (p < 0.001). Polypharmacy (≥5 non-ART medications) was more frequent in PLWH (20.4% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.014). In multivariable analysis, being in the PLWH group (aOR 2.41), increasing age (aOR per 1-year 1.05), and having no formal education (aOR 4.59) were independent predictors of polypharmacy. Potential drug–drug interactions were present in 19.4% of PLWH and were present in those with polypharmacy (33% vs. 16%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Older PLWH experience greater multimorbidity and polypharmacy than people without HIV. Tailored strategies – such as medication review, drug interaction monitoring, and preventive care – are essential to optimize outcomes in this growing and vulnerable population
Comorbidity · Drug · MEDLINE · Multimorbidity · Older people · Polypharmacy · Primary care · HIV-related health complications and treatments · HIV/AIDS drug development and treatment · Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia detection and treatment
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |