ASHM Report Back
Clinical posts from members and guests of the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) from various international medical and scientific conferences on HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and sexual health.
Psycho social Complexity in HIV Care
Presentation by Ruth Hennessy showed a study in a Sydney based HIV clinic. This demonstrated a higher level of mental health issues, depression, anxiety, suicide, alcohol and IV drug use, social isolation in people who are HIV positive.
It was also found that these client has issues compliance to treatment in general thereby mitigated against optimal care
Considering this complex association between HIV and mental health illnesses it is suggested that;
- A multidisciplinary intensive specialist care should be adopted in caring for people with HIV
- Establishing guidelines for identifying patients who will require extra supports and appropriate referrals will ensure adequate care for people living with HIV