Health-related quality of life in persons younger and older than 50 who are living with HIV/AIDS

Mortality rates are higher in older persons with AIDS. The Wilson and Clear y health-related quality-of-life model was used to explore whether there we re differences on health-related quality-of-life variables between persons aged 50 or older (n = 73) and younger persons (n = 640) in a national sampl e. Depending on the level of the data, either independent t tests or chi-sq uares were calculated. Older participants reported significantly more medic al conditions such as diabetes or hypertension (p = .000), more limitations in physical functioning (p = .006), and self-disclosure of HIV infection t o fewer people (p = .000). There were no significant differences on any of the other variables. There are relatively few differences in older as compa red to younger persons living with HIV/AIDS, yet mortality rates are higher in older samples. The relationship between the areas where there are diffe rences and whether they affect morbidity and mortality need further explora tion.