Physical activity and exercise for older people living with HIV – the perceptions of health care professionals

Abstract

As people age with HIV, the prescription of physical activity should be included as part of their comprehensive medical management. The higher prevalence of comorbidities, polypharmacy, drug interactions and end-stage complications in this specific population requires a multidisciplinary health care approach. This study adopted a phenomenological, qualitative design, using a process of in-depth focus group interviews in order to understand the perceptions of healthcare workers regarding physical activity and exercise for older people living with HIV (OPLWH). Fifteen healthcare professionals who are actively involved in the daily treatment and care of OPLWH at a primary health care facility in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa voluntarily participated in the study. Three overarching themes emerged from the discussions, namely factors influencing exercise adherence; general considerations for exercise programmes for OPLWH; and recommendations for exercise prescription for OPLWH. This research highlights the importance of the multidisciplinary healthcare team who are at the forefront of care. Continuing assessment of OPLWH, and a suitably conducive environment, need to be taken into consideration when developing and implementing a suitable programme for exercise and physical activity for OPLWH. Challenges such as the stigma associated with HIV, and associated comorbidities related to ageing, need to be addressed when structuring an intervention programme that is sustainable in resource-poor communities.