HIV/AIDS: ROLE OF

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGIST
WHAT IS HIV/AIDS

• HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It kills or

damages the body's immune system cells.

• The infected cells will then replicate (make copies). The HIV
will turn into AIDS.

• AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the

most advanced stage of infection with HIV.
Cont’d

This means that someone who has HIV, and

isn’t taking antiretroviral treatment, will find
it harder and harder to fight off infections
and diseases then it definitely will convert
into AIDS
TRANSMISSION OF HIV AIDS

• Unprotected sex with an infected person

• Sharing drug needles or through contact with the blood of an

infected person.

• Women can give it to their babies during pregnancy or

childbirth.
Early Symptoms of HIV infection

• Some people with HIV does not show symptoms until

months or even years after contracting the virus.

• Around 80 percent of people may develop a set of flu-

like symptoms known as acute retroviral syndrome
around 2–6 weeks after the virus enters the body.
The Early Symptoms Of HIV Infection

• fever
• chills
• joint pain
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• sweats particularly at night
• enlarged glands
Cont’d

• a red rash
• tiredness
• weakness
• unintentional weight loss
• thrush
These symptoms might also result from the immune system
fighting off many types of viruses.
Role of a Health Psychologist

Primary prevention
includes changing behavior to decrease HIV transmission.

Secondary prevention includes

• Helping people who are HIV positive to live with the infection
• Counseling people about HIV testing
• Helping patients deal with social and interpersonal aspects of the
disease
• Helping patients adhere to their complex treatment program.
Psychological Intervention

• Group support
• Complementary therapies
• Relaxation techniques
• Various coping skills
• Adoption of religion and spirituality by HIV/AIDS patients
Treatment Adherence

• Interference in treatment adherence due to drug and

alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorders.

• Research, into more realistic and effective means of

treating these issues in HIV/AIDS patients, is needed.
Encouraging Protective Measures

• Except for infants born to HIV-infected mothers, most people have

some control in protecting themselves from the human
immunodeficiency virus.

• HIV is not easily transmitted.

• Health care workers should adhere to a set of standard protective

measures.

• Avoiding High-risk behaviors is the key.

Preemptive Testing

• Psychologists can provide both information and support for people

who are having doubts about getting tested for HIV.

• Intervening to help people reduce high-risk behavior

Living with HIV

Powerful HIV drugs now make it possible for people living

with HIV to live far longer lives than could have been
imagined before effective HIV treatment became
available. This is one of the greatest successes of modern
medicine. Those who have lived with HIV for many years
are often called long-term survivors (LTS)
Survivor’s Account: Masiye

“I was hurt when I found out I was HIV positive. I cried for three weeks or
more. I still cry but I don’t allow my status to stop me working towards my
goals in life. I still work two jobs and I just do things to keep my mind off
of my status. I’m still trying to accept it all but I know it will happen in
time.

I became undetectable after one month of taking my meds so that gave

me a lot to look forward to.

The hardest part was telling my kids but I reassured them that I’m going
to be okay because I take care of myself. The goal is to stay positive”
Survivor’s Account: Rick

I was diagnosed in 1995, and I can tell you all now it did
not stop me from living. It actually started me living.
I gave up my bad habits and started having my family in
my life more than ever before. So let your family know,
they will become your support.
Become proactive. This is not death. We are stronger
together
Conclusion and Recommendation

• Provide risk reduction information

• Prepare the individual for a possible positive test
• Assist the individual to prepare for lifestyle modifications
• Provides motivation for behavior change
• The encouragement to keep on going on in life is the
ultimate of post test counseling.
• Psychologist may assist the patient to develop a sense of
purpose, and learn to live a finite life.
Cont’d

Services of health psychologists be made available

to all HIV/AIDS patients, by posting health
psychologists to all health institutions where
HIV/AIDS patients are being treated, and to create
awareness on their roles and responsibilities
through health education.
THE END