A qualitative study to explore barriers to access behavioral health services among older people living with HIV in Georgia
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19444487 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Esma Imerlishvili (0000-0002-8512-0575, Tbilisi State University, corresponding author), Maia Kajaia (0000-0002-0270-607X, Tbilisi State University), Eka Chkonia (0000-0002-8817-9679, Tbilisi State Medical University), Eka Chkhonia (Tbilisi State Medical University), Ramesh Raghavan (0000-0003-1478-7046, School of Social Work), Mamuka Djibuti (0000-0002-1614-854X, Research for Action) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-12 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-22 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | AIDS Care (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/09540121.2026.2618063 |
| PMID | 41572429 |
| OpenAlex | W7125521654 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 26 |
Older people living with HIV (PLWH) in Georgia experience a high rate of behavioral health disorders, the treatment for which requires an integrated approach. However, these older PLWH experience unmet needs for behavioral health services. We aimed to explore barriers for older PLWH to access behavioral healthcare services in Georgia. In 2024, we conducted 28 in-depth interviews with PLWH aged ≥40 years in four major Georgian cities. Participants were purposefully selected from a cross-sectional study sample based on their screened behavioral health disorders. We employed an inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach guided by the Ecological-Behavioral Framework for Healthcare Access and Navigation. Our study found that older PLWH face significant barriers to accessing mental health services, including different types of stigma, cultural beliefs about behavioral health disorders, mistrust in mental healthcare professionals, and a lack of patient-centered care. Fragmented healthcare systems also hindered access to care, particularly for those with substance use disorders. Social support and family responsibilities were key motivators for seeking help. A complex interplay of sociocultural, political, and individual factors hindered PLWHs' access to behavioral health services. Addressing stigma through targeted interventions, raising awareness about behavioral health services, and constructing differentiated service models are crucial to improving access
Health care · Health services · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Mental health · Qualitative research · Social stigma · Stigma (botany) · Thematic analysis · HIV-related health complications and treatments · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
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Mental Health and Cognitive Performance Among Older People Living with HIV in Georgia
A conceptual framework for examining healthcare access and navigation
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| Highly cited | No |
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