Women and HIV: Translation of Research into Practice: Frailty and Osteoporosis among Kenyan Women Aging with HIV

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

SUMMARY Globally, people living with HIV (PLHIV) are living longer due to highly effective antiretroviral therapies (ART). As they age, many PLHIV are experiencing conditions and diseases associated with aging at both higher rates and at younger ages compared to those without HIV. In Kenya, more than 60% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) are women who may experience conditions like osteoporosis and frailty as they live longer. Little research on aging is taking place in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which makes it challenging to develop guidelines and practices. In this supplement to our D43 award, Women and HIV: Translation of Research into Practice (TW009783), we propose to determine the prevalence and correlates of frailty and osteoporosis, two conditions associated with aging that are overrepresented among women. We will conduct an observational cohort study among women ≥50 years old with and without HIV in Nairobi, Kenya and characterize the impact of these conditions on their functional status and quality of life. We will also explore the barriers and facilitators of accessing care for these conditions through conversations with study participants, their caregivers and clinic providers. Drawing from our results and stakeholder meetings, we will then initiate work with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to simplify and adapt existing screening tools for HIV clinics across the country. Not only will this work build the evidence on aging among women living with HIV in SSA, it will lay a strong foundation for future studies that could change practice and care for PLHIV as they age, especially women. The study is being proposed as a supplement to the Fogarty-funded D43 award entitled, Women and HIV: Translation of Research into Policy (TW009783) and will seek to address the gap in research and training on HIV and aging among women in Kenya. A KEMRI post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Shradha Doshi, will lead study implementation with support as needed from Dr. Sarah Masyuko, (UW), Dr. Elizabeth Bukusi (KEMRI) and Dr. Carey Farquhar (UW). In addition to guidance provided by the program leaders, Dr. Doshi and a second pre-doctoral trainee will be supported by a mentorship team of research and subject-area experts from KEMRI and the UW. This integrated approach will provide an outstanding opportunity to spur research in HIV and aging with the potential to inform the design of HIV and aging policies and guidelines, while also providing training of researchers in epidemiology and implementation research in HIV and aging in Kenya.