The HIV infection is deeply associated with fear, stigma, discrimination, and internalization of the stigma. The ignorance around modes of transmission has led to many myths and misconceptions surrounding the infection. There is a stigma of contagion, along with the stigma of morality. Being ill and facing death is a situation that affects day to day living of the infected. It is not the virus but the stigmatizing environment around the infected that makes life with the virus a difficult journey. The infection leads to many behavioral issues and challenges for the infected as well as affected. In a mixed-method research, 105 HIV-positive consenting adults were recruited through the snowball method. They were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule in a confidential environment. Focus group discussions were conducted with infected males, females, men having sex with men (MSM), and uninfected partners of the infected respondents to understand the interpersonal issues and challenges. The current research explores and describes the impact of HIV and resultant internalized stigma upon the life of the infected in the background of moralistic values governing sexual behavior.
The pandemic of HIV is far from over, as is widely believed. Management of the infection is achieved through the provision of Ante-Retroviral Therapy, resulting in the longevity of the infected. This therapy implies an increased number of people living with the infection. However, the socio-psycho-cultural factors and resultant behavior that contribute to the spread of the virus still prevail, causing new segments of infected people. Transdisciplinary practice competencies are vital components of social work practice with HIV-positive persons. Sending an untutored and naïve social worker for care and treatment of HIV infected may damage the infected person psychologically and physically. Evidence-based research establishes the need to develop theory and practice exposure to social work students. The evidence-based practice framework is required for social workers to equip themselves. Here is an effort to develop an evidence-based practice framework on the cascade of psycho-socio-cultural issues affecting life from HIV infection to ART adherence. This framework emerges from lessons from the field research considering the multi-level interventions for the infected.
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