The Social Construction of Aging Among a Clinic-Based Population and Their Healthcare Workers in Zambia

Anjali Sharma, Chanda Mwamba, Natalie St Clair-Sullivan, Belinda V. Chihota, Jake M. Pry, Carolyn Bolton-Moore, Michael J. Vinikoor, Guy K. Muula, Harriet Daultrey, Joel Gittelsohn, Lloyd B. Mulenga, Namasiku Siyumbwa, Gilles Wandeler, Jaime H. Vera

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to understand the social construction of aging in a clinic-based population, with and without HIV, to address gaps in care for older individuals living with HIV in Zambia. Methods: Our exploratory qualitative study included 36 in-depth interviews with clinic clients and four focus group discussions with 36 professional and lay healthcare workers providing services to the clients. We identified themes based on social construction theory. Results: At the individual level, aging was multidimensional, perceived both as an achievement in the HIV era and as a period of cognitive, physical, and economic decline. In social interactions, older individuals were often stereotyped and treated as helpless, poor, and “witches.” Those living with HIV faced the additional stigma of being labeled as promiscuous. Some of the participants living without HIV refused to take daily medication for non-communicable diseases to avoid being mistaken for taking antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Older individuals wanted quality healthcare and family support to address the intersectional stigma of aging, poverty, and chronic illness. Conclusion: Multifaceted interventions are required to combat age-related prejudice, intersectional stigma, and discriminatory practices, particularly for people living with HIV.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1606607
JournalInternational Journal of Public Health
Volume69
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Keywords

  • HIV
  • Zambia
  • Zambia ageing
  • non-communicable diseases
  • social construction of ageing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Social Construction of Aging Among a Clinic-Based Population and Their Healthcare Workers in Zambia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this