Developing a framework of practice forsocial Wworkers in HIV management in India

Abstract

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.