Awareness and perceived risk of type 2 diabetes among older adults with HIV: results from a qualitative study

Older people with HIV (OPWH) have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Understanding this is important to screen and initiate treatments. This study explored awareness of T2DM, perceived risk, and willingness to receive T2DM preventive education. OPWH were recruited from an academic health center in Chicago, Illinois between November 2022 and January 2023. Staff used interview guides for qualitative data collection and administered a sociodemographic survey. Qualitative data was analyzed using the Framework Method; survey data was analyzed descriptively. A total of 19 participants were enrolled; the mean age was 59 years, and 37% were female. Thematic analysis revealed: (1) although participants were familiar with T2DM, they were largely unaware of the increased risk among individuals with HIV; (2) participants had divergent views regarding their own T2DM risk perception; (3) health maintenance was a motivator for T2DM prevention, yet participants noted lifestyle improvements may be difficult to implement; (4) participants were open to receiving diabetes prevention materials via the patient portal. Despite a general lack of awareness of T2DM risk among older adults with HIV, participants were willing to receive T2DM prevention information. Future research should develop plain language materials for OPWH and determine appropriate delivery procedures.