A Multidimensional Conceptual Framework for Understanding HIV/AIDS as a Chronic Long-Term Illness

• Published in: Social work (New York) Vol. 49; no. 3; pp. 469 - 477
• Main Authors: Mitchell, Christopher G., Linsk, Nathan L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01-07-2004; NASW PRESS; National Association of Social Workers
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; AIDS; AIDS patients; Anti-HIV Agents - therapeutic use; antiretroviral drugs; Antiretrovirals; Antivirals; Care and treatment; Case management (Social services); Case studies; Chronic Disease; Chronic Illness; Company business management; Counselor Client Relationship; Diseases; Drug Use; Emotional Response; Gender Discrimination; HIV; HIV Infections - drug therapy; HIV Infections - physiopathology; HIV/AIDS; Holistic Approach; Humans; Infections; LGBT; Males; Management; Medical Services; Medical treatment; Medications; Mental Disorders; Narcotics; Prescription drugs; Prevention; Prevention programs; Psychological aspects; Psychological Patterns; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Social Environment; Social Work; Social workers; Teaching Methods; Terminal Illness; treatment adherence; Treatment Compliance; United States; Viruses; United States; HIV/AIDS; antiretroviral drugs; treatment adherence; prevention
• ISSN: 0037-8046; 1545-6846
• DOI: 10.1093/sw/49.3.469

New treatment advances have radically altered the course of HIV illness and created new challenges for HIV-affected individuals, families, and communities. This article provides a conceptual framework for understanding HIV in the multiple contexts of the client's culture, strengths, life course, and biomedical progression. The article concludes with a discussion of HIV prevention and treatment adherence as key focal points for social workers and their clients.