Daniel Mutonga, BSc, MBChB, MSc, MMedc
DANIEL MUTONGA
Nominated From: University of Washington
Research Site: Kenyatta National Hospital
Research Area: HIV Implementation Science
Primary Mentor: Carey Farquhar, MD, MPH
Research Project
Leveraging implementation science methods to integrate and optimize geriatric assessments into HIV care for older persons living with HIV in Nairobi, Kenya
Older persons living with HIV (OPLWH) experience geriatric syndromes earlier than those not living with HIV. The WHO Integrated care for older people (ICOPE) guidelines call for screening, geriatric assessments, person-centered care, referrals and support for older persons, families and community. Despite the rising number of older adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including OPLWH, there is limited research conducted on the efficacy and integration of comprehensive geriatric assessments within the region. Using implementation science and systems approach methods, the present study aims at visualizing the processes and clinic flow at a tertiary facility in Nairobi, and understanding barriers and enablers in order to support the integration of geriatric assessments into the HIV clinic.
Research Significance
The older adult population is rapidly growing, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Among people living with HIV, the effects of aging occur at a younger age due to antiretroviral therapy, early menopause and HIV-associated chronic inflammation, even among virally-suppressed individuals. Currently, 50% of people living with HIV in the US are over the age of 50 years and experiencing early aging. Thus, the implementation of geriatric assessments in HIV care described in this proposal will provide findings and identify ways to improving health outcomes among OPLWH in both Kenya and US.
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