A qualitative focus group study of perceived barriers and benefits to exercise by self-described exercise status among older adults living with HIV.

Objectives: Although exercise interventions have been shown to improve health outcomes among older people with HIV (PLWH), this population remains highly sedentary. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in perceived barriers and benefits of exercise among older PLWH by self-identified exercise status.

Design: Five focus groups were formed among PLWH: two groups of exercising men, two groups of non-exercising men and one group of women (mixed exercisers and non-exercisers).

Turning disability into ability: barriers and facilitators to initiating and maintaining exercise among older men living with HIV.

Physical activity reduces the risk for comorbidities, but little is known about barriers to exercise among older adults living with HIV. Three focus groups were conducted among 19 adults living with HIV, aged ≥ 50 years, who were enrolled in or recently completed a supervised exercise intervention. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and coded first using inductive methods.