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Browsing Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works by Author "Abdelhalim, Reham"

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    Co-Creating Socio-Culturally-Appropriate Virtual Geriatric Care for Older Adults Living With HIV: A Community-Based Participatory, Intersectional Protocol
    (Sage, 2023-10-06) Kokorelias, Kristina M.; Wasilewski, Marina B.; Flanagan, Ashley; Zhabokritsky, Alice; Singh, Hardeep; Dove, Erica; Eaton, Andrew D.; Valentine, Dean; Sheppard, Christine L.; Abdelhalim, Reham; Parpia, Rabea; Zewude, Rahel; Jamieson, Laura; Grosse, Anna; Walmsley, Sharon L.; Brown, Paige; Sirisegaram, Luxey
    The aging cohort of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Canada has reached a critical point, with nearly half now 50 years age or older. Older persons living with HIV have specific needs which can be effectively addressed by geriatric specialists. However, the recognition of HIV care as a domain of geriatrics is recent, resulting in a lack of clinical recommendations and modern care models for delivering geriatric care to this population. Virtual care has been demonstrated to reduce existing barriers to accessing HIV care in some populations but before it can be adapted to geriatric HIV care a critical first step is to acknowledge and understand disparities in socioeconomic circumstances, technology access and ability and cultural differences in experiences. This protocol marks the initial step in a comprehensive program of research aimed at co-designing, implementing, and evaluating culturally-appropriate virtual geriatric care for diverse older adults living with HIV. The study employs qualitative methods with older adults living with HIV to lay the groundwork, to inform the future development of a virtual model of geriatric care. We will explore the perspectives of diverse groups of older persons with HIV on (1) The value and necessity of culturally-tailored virtual interventions for geriatric HIV care; and (2) Recommendations on how best to engage older persons with HIV in the future co-design of a virtual model of geriatric HIV care. Ultimately, a more culturally-appropriate approach to care will foster a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system for all individuals affected by HIV including those who are aging. Researchers can utilize this research protocol to employ qualitative co-design and participatory methods with diverse older adults living with HIV.
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    Exploring the Perspectives of Older Adults Living With HIV on Virtual Care: Qualitative Study
    (JMIR Publications Inc., 2024-12-04) Kokorelias, Kristina M.; Valentine, Dean; Dove, Erica; Brown, Paige; McKinlay, Stuart; Sheppard, Christine L.; Singh, Hardeep; Eaton, Andrew D.; Jamieson, Laura; Wasilewski, Marina B.; Zhabokritsky, Alice; Flanagan, Ashley; Abdelhalim, Reham; Zewude, Rahel; Parpia, Rabea; Walmsley, Sharon L.; Sirisegaram, Luxey
    Background As the population of individuals with HIV ages rapidly due to advancements in antiretroviral therapy, virtual care has become an increasingly vital component in managing their complex health needs. However, little is known about perceptions of care among older adults living with HIV. Objective This study aimed to understand the perceptions of older adults living with HIV regarding care. Methods Using an interpretive, qualitative, descriptive methodology, semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 diverse older adults living with HIV. The participants lived in Ontario, Canada, self-identified as HIV-positive, and were aged 50 years or older. Efforts were made to recruit individuals with varying experience with health care. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted with the interview transcripts to identify prevalent themes. Results The identified themes included (1) the importance of relationships in virtual care for older adults living with HIV; (2) privacy and confidentiality in virtual care; and (3) challenges and solutions related to access and technological barriers in virtual care. These themes highlight the perceptions of diverse older adults living with HIV concerning care, emphasizing the fundamental role of trust, privacy, and technology access. Conclusions By embracing the unique perspectives and experiences of this population, we can work toward building more inclusive and responsive health care systems that meet the needs of all individuals, regardless of age, HIV status, or other intersecting identities.
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    “They didn't think we'd live this long”: A qualitative exploration of older adults living with HIV perspectives on geriatric care in Ontario
    (Wiley, 2025-05-22) Kokorelias, Kristina M.; Valentine, Dean; Eaton, Andrew D.; Dove, Erica; Su, Esther; Sheppard, Christine L.; McKinlay, Stuart; Brown, Paige; Singh, Hardeep; Wasilewski, Marina B.; Flanagan, Ashley; Zhabokritsky, Alice; Abdelhalim, Reham; Parpia, Rabea; Zewude, Rahel; Jamieson, Laura; Walmsley, Sharon L.; Sirisegaram, Luxey
    Introduction Advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care have increased life expectancy, leading to more older adults living with HIV. This study examines older adults' perspectives on geriatric healthcare needs. Methods A community‐based qualitative study in Ontario, Canada, recruited some adults aged 50+ years living with HIV through quota and purposive sampling. Quota sampling was used to include individuals of different ages, genders and ethno‐racial backgrounds to capture a range of experiences. Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews and focus groups, analyzed using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. Results Participants included interviewees (n = 14) and focus group attendees (n = 12). Four themes emerged: (1) lack of knowledge and access to geriatric care, highlighting service challenges; (2) healthcare providers' understanding of HIV and ageing, with stigma concerns; (3) role of social support networks for emotional/practical support; and (4) requirements for improved geriatric care, advocating provider education and greater social care access. Conclusions Gaps in geriatric care for older adults with HIV highlight stigma, access issues and the need for education, virtual care and tailored, inclusive healthcare solutions.