“It’s Important to Deconstruct Stigma and Respect the Beauty of Sexual Intimacy Among Older Patients:” HIV Prevention Education Among Older Adults: The Role of Clinicians

Discussions of healthy aging often overlook sexual health due to ageism and misconceptions about older adults' sexuality. To address this gap, a health communication film intervention was evaluated among 193 social service clinicians, geriatric social work interns, and practicing clinicians. Using a mixed-methods design with pre- and posttests, participants showed a significant increase in HIV knowledge (M_pre = 7.46; M_post = 8.04; <i>p</i> < .001). Qualitative themes included greater awareness of sexual ageism, increased motivation for practice change, and recognition of the need for sexual health communication skills. Findings suggest film-based education enhances HIV knowledge and provider communication with older adults.