Emerging needs for persons living with HIV or AIDS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the emerging needs that exist for persons living with HIV or AIDS in the 34 county Northern and Western Public Health Regions of Wisconsin. Much time has passed since the early 1980’s emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic into the biopyschosocial constructs of professional interventions and services. With the passing of time has come significant changes in the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS. With each new bit of information regarding the disease and with each new available treatment comes an interesting series of indicators and markers for both progress and regression. The majority of outcomes derived from progress have been intended and positive. However, it is important to note that some outcomes have been unexpected and adverse. This action and reaction type approach to viewing this epidemic results in a myriad of emerging needs for persons living with HIV or AIDS. The demographics of the individuals infected with HIV and AIDS have changed significantly in terms of both exposure categories and gender. The effects that HIV and AIDS have on individuals infected has also significantly changed. The resulting needs are continuously emerging and increasingly diverse as individuals begin to experience better health for a longer period of time. It is the intent of this study to explore the trends and changes both in progress and regression to outline the emerging needs of persons living with HIV or AIDS. This exploration will consist of an extensive review of current literature as well as analysis of questionnaires anonymously completed by persons living with HIV or AID in the Northern and Western Public Health Regions of Wisconsin.