aids2018

Last updated on 23 July 2026

Key points

The FraGeriCare project, which aims to compare the prevalence of frailty among people aged 60 and over who are HIV-positive (HIV+) or HIV-negative (HIV-) in West Africa.

This research aims to study geriatric syndromes in people aged 60 and over according to their HIV status, and to analyse support systems and perceptions of ageing among older people, their relatives and carers. It also aims to examine the implementation and integration of screening for geriatric syndromes into the routine care of people living with HIV.

Type of study

The FraGeriCare study is a ‘low-risk, low-burden interventional research’ (RIPH2) trial, using mixed-methods and combining:

  • A ‘clinical’ component comprising a cross-sectional, two-strata (HIV+ and HIV-), comparative, international (Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo), multicentre study;
  • A ‘social sciences’ component focusing on various aspects of geriatric care and combining a quantitative cross–sectional survey with qualitative research (involving individual interviews and focus groups with people aged 60 and over, their families and carers).

Study objectives

Main objective

To compare the prevalence of frailty among people aged 60 and over who are HIV-positive (HIV+) or HIV-negative (HIV-) in West Africa.

Secondary objectives

  1. To compare the prevalence of geriatric syndromes, including dependency, cognitive, visual and hearing impairments, depression, malnutrition, dehydration, pain, urinary and faecal incontinence, and walking and balance difficulties, according to HIV status;
  2. To identify, among people aged 60 and over, the factors associated with the presence of geriatric syndromes, including HIV status;
  3. To describe the formal and informal support and solidarity systems available for the care and health management of people aged 60 and over;
  4. To describe the perceptions and attitudes towards ageing and geriatric syndromes held by people aged 60 and over, their social circles (families, friends), carers and the individuals themselves;
  5. To evaluate the implementation and integration of screening for geriatric syndromes into the routine care of people living with HIV.

Study criteria

Inclusion criteria

HIV-positive group

  • People aged 60 and over
  • Infected with HIV-1 and/or HIV-2
  • Able to travel to the data collection site
  • Having given their free and informed consent

HIV- group

  • Individuals aged 60 years and over
  • Not infected with HIV
  • Able to travel to the data collection site
  • Having given their free and informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals deprived of their liberty (under guardianship, curatorship or judicial protection)
  • Karnofsky Index < 50%
  • Hospitalised individuals

Primary outcome measure

Prevalence of frailty according to HIV serostatus among people aged 60 and over in West Africa.

Secondary outcome measures

  • Prevalence of frailty among people aged 60 and over;
  • Number and proportion of people aged 60 years and over presenting with geriatric syndromes, including cognitive, visual and hearing impairments, depression, malnutrition, dehydration, pain, urinary and faecal incontinence, and walking and balance difficulties, by HIV status;
  • Number and proportion of people aged 60 and over with at least one comorbidity, including cancer, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of myocardial infarction or stroke, osteoarticular disease and renal failure, by HIV status;
  • Factors associated with the presence of geriatric syndromes.