Table 1.
Characteristic | Focus group participants (n=40) |
Median (IQR) age (years) | 48.5 (42.0–55.0) |
Years HIV positive (median, IQR) | 7.5 (4.0–12.0) |
Country/region of birth | |
Canada | 19 (47.5%) |
Africa | 9 (22.5%) |
Caribbean | 4 (10.0%) |
Other | 3 (7.5%) |
Incomplete | 5 (12.5%) |
Relationship status | |
Married/common law | 12 (30.0%) |
Separated/divorced | 8 (20.0%) |
Single | 16 (40.0%) |
Incomplete | 4 (10.0%) |
Number of dependents | |
0 | 18 (45.0%) |
1 | 4 (10.0%) |
2 | 1 (2.5%) |
3 | 5 (12.5%) |
≥4 | 6 (15.0%) |
Incomplete | 6 (15.0%) |
Employment status | |
Full-time | 6 (15.0%) |
Part-time | 6 (15.0%) |
Unemployed | 2 (5.0%) |
Volunteer | 1 (2.5%) |
Student | 2 (5.0%) |
Retired | 1 (2.5%) |
Social assistance | 18 (45.0%) |
Self-employed | 1 (2.5%) |
Incomplete | 3 (7.5%) |
Highest level of education completed | |
Less than grade 9 | 6 (15.0%) |
High school | 14 (35%) |
Trade/technical school | 1 (2.5%) |
College | 11 (27.5%) |
University | 4 (10.0%) |
Incomplete | 4 (10.0%) |
CD4+ cell count | |
>200 cells/mm3 | 23 (57.5%) |
<200 cells/mm3 | 4 (10.0%) |
Don't know | 12 (30.0%) |
Incomplete | 1 (2.5%) |
Viral load | |
<50 copies/ml | 20 (50.0%) |
>50 copies/ml | 1 (2.5%) |
Don't know | 17 (42.5%) |
Incomplete | 2 (5.0%) |
Ever hospitalised for HIV-related illness | |
Yes | 15 (37.5%) |
No | 21 (52.5%) |
Incomplete | 4 (10.0%) |
Current use of antiretrovirals | |
Yes | 35 (87.5%) |
No | 3 (7.5%) |
Incomplete | 2 (5.0%) |