Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Essay Example

Running Head: HIV Issue HIV Issue of HIV Issue Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses a serious threat to the public health inside the United Kingdom. It has been established that HIV is a persistent ailment that must be treated and managed using a number of interventions. Empirical studies document that there are an estimated 80,000 HIV patients in the United Kingdom. Women comprise 34% of the overall population. The past decade has witnessed a significant rise in HIV patients with an estimated 8000 people being diagnosed with the disease. This has been a considerably high rate despite a number of interventions and medications initiated by the NHS. Heterosexual infection remains the primary route of transmission for the virus in the country. HIV is rapidly transforming itself into a different disease which means that innovative and creative strategies need to be formulated for achieving optimum results. Information exchange and accessibility is another strategy that can lead to superior outcomes. A preventive strategy needs to be modified so that poor and marginalized communities have access to resources. The NHS should strive to develop a coordinated database that can be shared by private health organizations and voluntary organizations. This can be used to ensure that superior treatments are available for patients belonging to vulnerable and susceptible risk groups. Introduction The United Kingdom has an advanced and well-developed health system. Public health indicators have been improving due to the advent of technology and rapid interventions. However considerable problems continue to exert a strain on the health system. HIV is considered to be a major problem in the United Kingdom due to a number of reasons. It can inflict a heavy toll on individuals in terms of financial, emotional, and psychological problems (Hough, 2003: Pg 644). It can lead to high levels of anxiety, stress, depression, and frustration among individuals. Further many individuals hesitate to disclose HIV due to the social stigmas associated with it. Empirical studies have documented that heterosexuals and homosexuals comprise the leading risk group for HIV. Minorities are vulnerable to the disease due to the lack of effective and efficient procedures (Flowers & Duncan, 2003: Pg 179). The lack of information means that many individuals forego preventive treatment in order to reduce costs. This can be deleterious for the NHS that seeks to maintain an integrated and coordinated program for HIV management and prevention. The NHS needs to formulate an efficient and effective system that can be used to attain excellence. A comprehensive strategy should focus on HIV prevention and patient empowerment. Further there is the need to deploy efficient and effective strategies that can be used to attain excellence in combating the disease. This research paper will seek to analyze the issue of HIV as a major public issue in the United Kingdom. It will formulate a smart strategy that can be used to enhance the process of HIV detection, prevention, and management. Background HIV is a condition that can be debilitating and incapacitating for many individuals. It leads the weakening of the immunological system. It can lead to fatal outcomes if not properly treated. HIV can be transmitted through various means. Sexual intercourse is the main cause of the transfer of the disease (Lee, 2003: Pg 2201). Contaminated blood and needles can also lead to infection of individuals with HIV. Finally children who are born from HIV infected mothers are likely to be diagnosed with the disease. HIV has become a major public issue in the United Kingdom. This is due to the fact that it can cause significant health problems in the population (UNAIDS, 2000: pg 23). It can lead to negative outcomes that must be tackled in a systematic and logical manner. The United Kingdom has a comprehensive system for tackling HIV. It has developed a robust program for surveillance and management of the disease. It can also lead to the development of efficient and effective procedures. The HIV management program needs to be strengthened in order to ensure superior outcomes. The use of multifaceted strategies can lead to the development of robust policies and procedures. The development of a comprehensive strategy is essential for the success of the entire program (Rotheram, 2004: Pg 327). HIV Trends Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses a serious threat to the public health inside the United Kingdom. It has been established that HIV is a persistent ailment that must be treated and managed using a number of interventions. Empirical studies document that there are an estimated 80,000 HIV patients in the United Kingdom (UNAIDS, 2008: Pg 23). Women comprise 34% of the overall population (Bor, Plessis & Russell, 2004: Pg 167). The past decade has witnessed a significant rise in HIV patients with an estimated 8000 people being diagnosed with the disease. This has been a considerably high rate despite a number of interventions and medications initiated by the NHS. Heterosexual infection remains the primary route of transmission for the virus in the country. Blacks represent the primary racial group that is vulnerable to HIV infection inside the country. A large majority of sub-Saharan Africans have been diagnosed with the disease (Chesney & Morin, 2000: Pg 1509). However homosexual men remain the most vulnerable to being infected with HIV inside the United Kingdom. Empirical studies demonstrate that an estimated 3000 new cases are diagnosed each year (Van, 2005: Pg 147). HIV testing has become the primary reason for the increase in number of cases. Another vulnerable group is drug addicts who can become diagnosed with the disease. Annually an estimated 200 drug addicts are diagnosed with the disease in the country (Bor, Miller & Goldman, 2004: Pg 187). Blood donations account for a small percentage of HIV cases yet this number has been declining due to increased testing and surveillance. The NHS has devised a comprehensive program in order to prevent HIV infected blood donations from infecting patients. Children who are born to HIV-infected mothers are another risk group in the country. During the year 2005, it was estimated that over 10,000 children were diagnosed with HIV (Pequegnat & Bray, 2005, Pg 3). They were infected by the disease due to transmission from mothers. These statistics also include foreign born children to migrants that arrive in the United Kingdom. United Kingdom vs. Europe HIV rates in the United Kingdom are significantly higher as compared with other European countries. France and Germany have the lowest number of HIV patients in the entire continent. Studies document that the reason is due to the presence of an efficient and effective system for HIV management and prevention (Nicol, 2008: Pg 1324). Belgium and Spain have higher rates of HIV patients when compared with the United Kingdom. Overall in Europe the risk groups remain the same as in the United Kingdom. Heterosexual and homosexual men remain the primary group that is vulnerable to HIV infections. Further drug addicts and children born from HIV infected mothers constitute the second largest risk group in the continent (Tate, 2003: Pg 115). Impact on Individual HIV is a chronic and debilitating condition that can have a deep and profound impact upon individuals. Combination therapy can become a source of stress and anxiety for many patients. The side effects of the therapy can negate the benefits that the therapy affords in terms of restraining viral replication (Dehne, 2005: Pg 75). HIV patients need to adopt a strict medication program that can become a source of anxiety and stress. This can induce a number of mental and cognitive problems that requires constant therapy and counseling. HIV patients have been known to exhibit feelings of aggravation and despair due to the constant need to take complex medication (Uuskula, 2007: Pg 446). There are lingering doubts even when the therapy is known to produce excellent health outcomes in patients. Stress is a major problem in HIV patients that can retard their ability to perform daily activities (Nostlinger, 2007: Pg 25). It can restrict the ability of patients to engage in social activities. Many patients need to adjust to a new lifestyle that can be frustrating. Social stigmas are a major problem for such patients as they try to integrate and assimilate into mainstream society. Social discrimination and prejudice can become a major threat to the emotional stability and well-being of patients (Bonuck, 2004: Pg 78). Empirical studies have documented that social stigmatization and isolation has the greatest impact upon HIV patients. This is due to the fact that many HIV patients do not disclose their disease for social reasons. Such an attitude is prevalent because it would reveal infidelity, sexuality, and drug use. This condition is worse for individuals belonging to different cultures. Patients might be judged by other members of the culture on the basis of ethics and morality. HIV is considered to be a social taboo in many religions and cultures. This can become a major source of anxiety and stress in the population (Green & Smith, 2006: Pg 8). It can lead to disastrous outcomes which are dangerous for the stability and well-being of the patient. Social and emotional support is often considered to be the key for disease management and supervision. However HIV patients can loose family and social support due to the nature of the disease. The loss of traditional safety nets can have economic, social, and health consequences for HIV patients. Such individuals might not be able to have adequate and meaningful incomes. They might be unable to have access to qualitative health services that could lead to superior disease management and prevention. Impact on NHS HIV has a deep affect on the UK health system in a number of ways. An individual spends an estimated 137,000 and 191,000 for HIV treatments and interventions throughout his or her life (McGarrigle, 2004: Pg 78). HIV support services are also very expensive as it can cost the NHS an estimated 15,000 on a single patient (Kalichman & Ramachandran, 1999: Pg 139). The rise of new treatments and medications has significantly increased the costs. Further many patients have increased awareness and perception about the disease which leads to greater levels of HIV testing. The NHS has a comprehensive system for HIV surveillance and monitoring. This system is expensive to maintain due to the qualified personnel and resources that are involved in the process. However several health benefits have been witnessed due to the advent of the comprehensive NHS HIV services program. An estimated one million pounds is annually saved through active prevention programs and services. This has been initiated through the presence of a comprehensive and robust HIV prevention campaign (McPerson, 2000: Pg 399). The NHS has sought to rally the general public in increasing awareness about the signs, symptoms, and preventive measures of the disease. Combination therapy produces superior health outcomes among patients in an efficient and effective manner. It leads to the development of smart and prudent initiatives that can be used to prolong the quality of life in HIV patients. An estimated thirteen thousand pounds are indirectly saved for a single patient through the presence of such programs. The NHS has a comprehensive system for HIV testing and surveillance. These services are established at the local and county levels in order to ensure accessibility to the general public (Vidanapthirana, 2005: Pg 82). The aim of the programs is to provide high levels of awareness and perception regarding the disease. The use of multifaceted strategies has helped the NHS to reduce the negative affects of HIV. However there is the need for adopting comprehensive and robust strategies. The use of efficient and effective procedures can be used to create a powerful system for HIV prevention and management (Giradi, 2003: Pg 20). The NHS has information centers that provide updated data about the dynamics of the disease. Accessibility has been increased through partnerships with private organizations and foundations. The use of multiple strategies helps to produce significant outcomes in the British health care system (Power, 2003: Pg 138). However there is the need to adopt a new approach through the presence of clear and precise goals. The NHS needs to upgrade its data collection methods. This strategy can be used to initiate a multidimensional strategy that focuses on prevention, management, and supervision of the disease. The risk groups need to be identified in a systematic and logical manner. Further the use of different components can be used to produce superior health outcomes in patients (Miller, 2003: Pg 284). There is the need to ensure that HIV prevention and management can be implemented in a proactive and dynamic manner. Further it should be initiated through the careful analysis of risk groups (Bogart, 2000: Pg 501). Poor and marginalized communities need to have access to superior services as they forego preventive treatment due to the increased costs. Cost effective social services are vital for the management and supervision of the disease (Brashers, 1999: Pg 202). Recommendations HIV management should be conducted by using an integrated and coordinated approach. This will ensure the accessibility of services for all people in an efficient and effective manner. It would significantly increase the standards for treatment and prevention in specific geographical areas. HIV treatment needs to be customized and personalized according to the needs and requirements of the general public. The NHS should form partnerships with local social services in order to ensure reliable and timely services to remote communities (Thompson & Nanni & Levine, 1996: Pg 10). HIV is rapidly transforming itself into a different disease which means that innovative and creative strategies need to be formulated for achieving optimum results (Murphy & Barbaro, 2003: Pg 34). Information exchange and accessibility is another strategy that can lead to superior outcomes. A preventive strategy needs to be modified so that poor and marginalized communities have access to resources. The NHS should strive to develop a coordinated database that can be shared by private health organizations and voluntary organizations. This can be used to ensure that superior treatments are available for patients belonging to vulnerable and susceptible risk groups. HIV testing needs to be strengthened and upgraded in order to ensure early detection of the disease (Green & Sobo, 2000: Pg 34). Routine tests should be performed if symptoms are recognized by health care professionals. A late diagnosis of the disease can be catastrophic for many patients. Side effects like pneumocystis and encephalitis occur at latter stages of the disease. This can be prevented through a comprehensive testing system. Early diagnosis has been strongly correlated with preventing deaths from the disease. Further due to the advent of new therapies and interventions, the average life expectancy of HIV patients has been increased significantly. The NHS needs to develop a patient centered model for HIV prevention and management (Dray & Lert, 2003: Pg 283). This means that patients should be empowered to make decisions that would improve quality of life. HIV is a debilitating condition that requires complex medication, therapy, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes. Patients need to have independence and emotional stability in order to manage the disease in an efficient and effective manner. The NHS needs to develop a comprehensive program that can be used to enhance the overall process. The use of multifaceted strategies will produce superior outcomes. An efficient and effective strategy is the key for success in the entire program. It will lead to the development of smart and proactive procedures that can be used to attain excellence. It would create a personalized and customized program that is responsive the unique needs and requirements of HIV patients. Finally there is the need to provide psychological support and counseling to HIV patients (Demi, 2003: Pg 35). Such an approach is vital for the success of the entire program. It would help to produce superior outcomes that can be used to reduce the fatalities from the disease. Conclusion HIV remains a major public issue in the United Kingdom due to a number of reasons. It is often associated with social stigmas which can lead to its denial. Further HIV inflicts a heavy toll on the mental, psychological, and financial health of patients. It can lead to social isolation and stigmatization (Snyder, 1999: Pg 1171). Many patients are unable to make the dietary modifications and lifestyle changes that are required for its successful management and prevention. They are unable to acquire adequate medication that can be used to suppress viral replication. HIV has a negative impact upon the NHS due to the increased costs of supporting and managing patients. Testing procedures have created heightened awareness about the disease. The NHS needs to develop a robust and efficient system that is used for superior health outcomes. A patient centered model should be implemented in order to empower patients (VanDevanter, 1999: Pg 181). This approach will enable the patients to develop high levels of confidence and discipline about the dietary and lifestyle modifications required for the successful management of the disease. A multiple component strategy can be used to attain excellence. Remote communities need to be strengthened through a systematic and logical process. The NHS should create partnerships with local organizations in order to create a coordinated and integrated approach towards HIV management and prevention. The use of different strategies will lead to the development of efficiency and effectiveness. It would create a collaborative and conductive environment for tackling the disease. References Bor R, du Plessis P, Russell M. (2004). The impact of disclosure of HIV on the index patient's selfdefined family. Journal of Family Therapy, 26(2):167-192 UNAIDS. (2008). 2008 report on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic: 4th global report. Geneva, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. Nicoll A, Hamers FF. (2008). Are trends in HIV, gonorrhoea, and syphilis worsening in western Europe British Medical Journal, 324:1324-1327. Dehne KL et al. (2005). Update on the epidemics of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union. AIDS, (Suppl. 3):S75-84. Uuskla A, Silm H, Vessin T. (2007). Sexually transmitted diseases in Estonia: past and present. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 8:446-450. Bonuck KA. (2004). AIDS and families: cultural, psychosocial, and functional impacts. Social Work in Health Care, 18:75-89. Bor R, Miller R, Goldman E. (2004). HIV/AIDS and the family: a review of research in the first decade. Journal of Family Therapy, 15:187-204. Pequegnat W, Bray JH. (2005). Families and HIV/AIDS: introduction to the special section. Journal of Family Psychology, 11(1):3-10. Green G, Smith R. (2006). The psychosocial and health care needs of HIV-positive people in the United Kingdom: a review. HIV Medicine, 5(Suppl. 1):5-46. Nstlinger C et al. (2007). Psychosocial problems and needs of caregivers living with HIV and their HIV-affected children. Oral presentation at the AIDS Impact Conference, Capetown, South Africa. McGarrigle CA et al. (2004). Investigating the relationship between HIV testing and risk behaviour in Britain: National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, 19(1):77- 84. Vidanapathirana J et al. (2005). Mass media interventions for promoting HIV testing. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004775.pub2. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004775.pub2. Miller R, Murray D. (2003). The impact of HIV illness on parents and children, with particular reference to African families. Journal of Family Therapy, 21(3):284-302. Kalichman SC, Ramachandran B. (1999). Mental health implications of new HIV treatments. In: Ostrow DG, Kalichman SC, eds. Psychosocial and public health impacts of new HIV therapies. Dordrecht, The Netherlands, Kluwer Academic Press, 137-150. McPerson-Baker S et al. (2000). Enhancing adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy in nonadherent HIV-positive men. AIDS Care, 12:399-404. Chesney MA, Morin M, Sherr L. (2000). Adherence to HIV combination therapy. Social Science & Medicine, 2000, 50:1599-1605. Girardi E. (2003). Epidemiological aspects of transmitted HIV drug resistance. Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 35(Suppl. 106):17-20. Bogart LM et al. (2000). Psychosocial issues in the era of new AIDS treatments from the perspective of persons living with HIV. Journal of Health Psychology, 5:500-516. Brashers DE et al. (1999). "In an important way, I did die": uncertainty and revival in persons living with HIV or AIDS. AIDS Care, 11:201-219. Power R et al. (2003). A qualitative study of the psychosocial implications of lipodystrophy syndrome on HIV positive individuals. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 79:137-141. Murphy R, Barbaro G. (2003). Clinical and biological insights in HIV-associated cardiovascular disease in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. AIDS,, 17(Suppl. 1):S1-S3. Flowers P, Duncan B, Knussen C. (2003). Re-appraising HIV testing: an exploration of the psychosocial costs and benefits associated with learning one's HIV status in a purposive sample of Scottish gay men. British Journal of Health Psychology, 8:179-194. Van Kesteren NMC et al. (2005). Sexuality and sexual risk in HIV-positive men who have sex with men. Qualitative Health Research, 15:145-168. Tate D et al. (2003). The impact of apathy and depression on quality of life in patients infected with HIV. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 17:115-120. Thompson SC, Nanni C, Levine A. (1996). The stressors and stress of being HIV-positive. AIDS Care, 8:5-14. Green G, Sobo EJ. The endangered self: managing the social risks of HIV. London, Routledge, 2000. Dray-Spira R, Lert, F. (2003). Social health inequalities during the course of chronic HIV disease in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. AIDS, 17(3):283-290. Demi A et al. (2003). Effects of resources and stressors on burden and depression of family members who provide care to an HIV-infected woman. Journal of Family Psychology, 11(1):35-48. Snyder M, Omoto AM, Crain AL. (1999). Punished for their good deeds. American Behavioral Scientist, 42:1171-1188. VanDevanter N et al. (1999). Heterosexual couples confronting the challenges of HIV infection. Aids Care, 11(2):181-193. Hough ES et al. (2003). A model of mother-child coping and adjustment to HIV. Social Science & Medicine,, 56(3):643-655. Lee MB, Rotheram-Borus MJ. (2003). Parents' disclosure of HIV to their children. AIDS, 16(16):2201-2207. Rotheram-Borus MJ et al. (2004). Custody plans among parents living with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 158(4):327-332. UNAIDS. (2000). Opening up the HIV/AIDS epidemic:guidance on encouraging beneficial disclosure, ethical partner counseling & appropriate use of HIV case-reporting. Geneva, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Read More