AEGiS-14IAC: Physiotherapy and HIV/AIDS -- Adding life to years.

14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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Physiotherapy and HIV/AIDS -- Adding life to years.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12520)

Jose J, Balan B
Snehadaan Hospice, Bangalore, India

ISSUES: It has been long observed that multisystem pathology of the HIV/AIDS disease necessitates longer hospital stay. Complications such as muscle wastage, contractures, bedsores, stiff joints delays the discharge or relieve. This clearly establishes a need for physiotherapeutic care, in resource poor economies such as India.

DESCRIPTION: Quality of health care delivery has had a direct impact in the reduction in mortality factors. Most often the hospital care for People with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) is confined to lifesaving and immediate care, often complications leading to disability are ignored. A program was designed with the belief that extended life with treatment should include quality. Physiotherapeutic care was provided in the care regime for a wide range of problems arising from neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory and painful syndromes. Our observations in care settings have confirmed that physiotherapy as an intervention can avoid complications and promote speedy recovery. It has changed the distorted body image due to weight loss by progressive resisted exercises and pain management by electrotherapy. The intervention has indeed accelerated early discharge of individuals.

ISSUES: Physiotherapy is an essential component in the multidisciplinary care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Early physiotherapy intervention will be more effective and can be given in any HIV care settings and also at any physiotherapy units without any additional investment. Physiotherapy reduces hospital stay and the individual will be discharged in a functionally independent state.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Physiotherapy should be included in the HIV/AIDS care manifesto. Early intervention should be made available. Patient education and awareness among health care fraternity about the potential benefits of physiotherapy is necessary in promoting appropriate referrals.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Physical Therapy Techniques, Health Services Needs and Demand, Patient Discharge, Time, Weight Loss, Patient Education, India, Human, rehabilitationKWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,hivinfections,hivseropositivity,physicaltherapytechniques,healthservicesneedsanddemand,patientdischarge,time,weightloss,patienteducation,india,human,rehabilitation

020707
G12520

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.