J Korean Med Assoc.  2003 Jul;46(7):629-635.

Comprehensive Health Care in HIV Infected Patients

• Kang MW
• Wie SH

Abstract

HIV infections have become chronic conditions requiring ongoing medical care after the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy, and people with HIV infections need more extensive and complex health care for healthy and productive lives. Therefore, AIDS care strategies should be comprehensive, extending far beyond drugs and medical care. Comprehensive health care means a wide range of services including psychological counseling, emotional support, financial support, nutritional interventions, maintenance of weight, dental service, and many other specific actions. Hospice workers, social workers and volunteers should provide essential education on HIV transmission and prevention, dispelling prejudice and fears. Cooperation and collaboration among all experts involved in the treatment against AIDS is essential to the success of practical approaches to preventing and treating HIV infections. All these activities improve not only the physical condition of patients but also their emotional state and quality of life, allowing them to live with dignity and self-respect.

Keyword

AIDS; HIV; Comprehensive; Health care

MeSH Terms

Comprehensive Health Care*
Cooperative Behavior
Counseling
Delivery of Health Care
Education
Financial Support
HIV Infections
HIV*
Hospices
Humans
Nutritional Support
Prejudice
Quality of Life
Social Workers
Volunteers

Reference

1. Selwyn P, Arnold R. From fate to tragedy : the changing meanings of life, death and AIDS. Ann Intern Med. 1998. 129:899–902.

2. Mazin R. HIV/AIDS prevention and care in developing nations : The building blocks model. 9 June, 2003. Available at http://www.usinfo.state.gov/journals/itgic/1201/ijge/gj04.htm.

3. Cote TR, Biggar RJ, Dannenberg AL. Risk of suicide among persons with AIDS. A national assessment. JAMA. 1992. 268:2066–2068.

4. Goodwin FK. From the alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health administration. Cause of AIDS mental problems. JAMA. 1988. 260:3250.

5. Nerad J, Romeyn M, Silverman E, Allen-Reid J, Dieterich D, Fenton M, et al. General nutrition management in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Clin Infect Dis. 2003. 36:Suppl 2. S52–S62.

6. Wallace MR, Brann OS. Gastrointestinal manifestations of HIV infection. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2000. 2:283–293.

7. Breitbart W, Rosenfeld BD, Passik SD, McDonald MV, Thaler H, Portenoy RK. The undertreatment of pain in ambulatory AIDS patients. Pain. 1996. 65:243–249.

8. Kimball LR, McCormick WC. The pharmacologic management of pain and discomfort in persons with AIDS near the end of life : use of opioid analgesia in the hospice setting. J Pain Symptom Manage. 1996. 11:88–94.

9. Fitzgerald DW, Behets FM. Women's health and human rights in HIV prevention research. Lancet. 2003. 361:68–69.

10. Murphy DA, Marelich WD, Dello Stritto ME, Swendeman D, Witkin A. Mothers living with HIV/AIDS : mental, physical, and family functioning. AIDS care. 2002. 14:633–644.

11. Watts DH, Minkoff H. Dolin R, Masur H, editors. Managing pregnant patients. AIDS therapy. 2002. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Churchill-Livingstone;381–399.