HIV and AIDS

Abstract

Although I already possessed some knowledge of HIV and AIDS, and felt competent to provide adequate advice to patients requesting HIV testing, this article helped me broaden my understanding of HIV and its implications for practice. Before reading the article, I was aware that HIV and AIDS are separate diagnoses, but that there is a common failure to differentiate between the two. I also knew that the rationale for the move to routine HIV testing at all levels of sexual health care, as mentioned in the article, was based on escalating infection rates, most significantly associated with heterosexual sex. However, although it confers greater accessibility and convenience, routine HIV testing outside specialist services does not appear to have made an impact on a growing need for health education and promotion in this area. It was interesting to note from the article that up-to-date knowledge of HIV and AIDS has diminished among the general public. Historically, such ignorance may have been perpetuated by insufficient pre-test discussions led by poorly prepared professionals. Hence, as recommended in the article, it is evident that I also need to give adequate sexual health advice to improve patients’ awareness of HIV, which can help them avoid behaviour that could place them at risk of contracting or transmitting the virus. In particular, patients need to be advised that all unprotected sex, whether vaginal, oral or anal, carries risk. The article highlighted the need to improve patients’ awareness and knowledge of HIV and its transmission, and it motivated me to inform at-risk individuals that modern management regimens are very different from what they were ten years ago. This article has helped me understand the importance of encouraging clinic attendees to consent to blood testing for HIV. For most patients, the acquisition of results can put their minds at rest, especially if they receive a confirmatory negative result after 12 weeks, to allow for the potential seroconversion period. For those who are HIV-positive, such knowledge creates an opportunity for them to take control of their circumstances, which can enhance their quality of life greatly and reduce the risk of unintentional transmission of the infection to others. This article has increased my confidence to support patients through routine HIV testing, particularly in providing accurate advice and assistance to those who go on to discover their positive status. The article has encouraged me to plan for more in-depth study of HIV management to continue my professional development and to become more familiar with the various local support agencies NS READER’S PRACTICE PROFILE