EXAMINING THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH HIV

Abstract Social isolation exists when one has limited or lacks social contact with others and is distinct from loneliness, an affective state on the perception of isolation. loneliness are recognized as risks to well-being among older adults. Less in known about cumulative effects persons HIV (OPWH). Using cross-sectional data OPWH (age ≥50) recruited outpatient clinic Atlanta, GA (N=146), we aimed 1) describe overlap between 2) examine combined quality-of-life (QoL), HIV-related stigma, depressive symptoms, comorbidity burden. Loneliness were assessed using PROMIS-Social Isolation Scale Network Index, respectively. Participants grouped into four categories ‘lonely only,’ ‘isolated ‘both lonely isolated,’ ‘neither.’ Bivariate adjusted associations conducted. Among participants (mean age=56.53), 26.7% (n=39) considered ‘lonely’ only, 12.3% (n=18) ‘isolated’ 15.1% (n=22) 45.9% (n=67) In bivariate analyses, individuals categorized isolated’ likely have past homelessness higher burden, lower QoL. models, isolated lonely’ significantly predicted QoL, symptoms. Findings highlight critical emphasis targeting who both lonely.