AEGiS-15IAC: Seven habits of highly healthy HIV+ people.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Seven habits of highly healthy HIV+ people.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10362)

Fallon SJ
Skills4, Inc, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33305, United States

ISSUES: Treatment update conferences typically offer medical providers specific treatment durability data. This workshop is designed to help PLWH to understand the important role that a patient's lifestyle choices make in managing HIV, and also to help physicians, nurses, and case managers improve their ability to explain these health-promoting facts in linguistically appropriate ways.

DESCRIPTION: This workshop will provide participants with clear and motivational lessons to make healthy choices in their own lives. Each of the "seven habits" will be detailed through intuitive analogies, and supported through current clinical citations. Though data will be provided, the presentation will not present any boilerplate conference slides. It will be accessible to persons not currently proficient in HIV treatment language. The seven areas for discussion will include 1) adopting adherence strategies; 2) making regular resistance testing part of one's treatment plan; 3) selecting a dosing schedule that "fits" one's life; 4) seeking hepatitis vaccination/treatment; 5) defending one's body from other STIs; 6) communicating effectively with a health provider; 7) and establishing support networks of friends and loved ones.

LESSONS LEARNED: By the end of the session, participants willUnderstand the reasons that adherence is typically the most important determinant in treatment durability. Understand resistance assay technologies, and comprehend why these tests guide more effective treatment choices. Distinguish between facts and myths relating to reinfection and superinfection. Recognize the potential health threats of continued unprotected sex following an HIV diagnosis.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Factors influencing successful management of HIV must be translated into accessible media for PLWH to make sound choices.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Unsafe Sex, HIV Infections, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, Health Planning Guidelines, HIV Seronegativity, Anti-HIV Agents, Demography, Humans, immunology, education, therapy, drug therapy

040711
B10362