How does living with HIV impact the different dimensions of an individuals "health wheel'?

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system.

Living with HIV impacts your life in 6 major ways: mentally, physically,
socially, sexually, spiritually and emotionally. They are also known as the different dimensions that affects an individuals health. These dimensions are interrelated and interdependent. In this blog we will briefly explain how HIV affects the different dimensions.

Mentally

People suffering from HIV are more likely to develop mental health disorders such as mood swings, anxiety and neurocognitive disorders. An Individuals nervous system can also be affected by opportunistic infections. This can lead to changes in behavior and function. There are three major types of HIV- associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND): Asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment, mild neurocognitive disorder and HIV- associated dementia. 

Physically

Physical symptoms of HIV are illustrated in the above video clip. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) destroys CD4+ cells. These cells are responsible for keeping a person healthy from common diseases and infections. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV. The immune system of the body is much weaker. Thus, it is much more vulnerable to opportunistic infections. HIV can affect multiple organs of the human body.The physical affect of HIV is illustrated in the picture below.

Social

The misconceptions about how HIV is spread makes it hard for individuals with HIV to nurture relationships. This makes them more vulnerable to isolation. HIV discrimination is still an ongoing matter. Many individuals suffering from HIV have been denied dental and medical care, employment and school admission. People living with HIV that have experienced HIV discrimination might begin to experience depression, low self-esteem, a sense of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts or feelings of worthlessness. It is very important for an individual suffering from HIV to have positive social support.  

Spiritual

For a lot of people believing in a higher power gives them a purpose to life. Individuals can respond in different ways to suffering from a fatal sickness. Some will blame God. Others will rather draw closer to God and will start going to church more often. Due to certain beliefs some individuals would not want to use the antiretroviral treatment and rather herbal medicine or no medicine at all. 

Emotional

There are different emotional responses in trying to cope with HIV. Examples of these responses are as follow anger, denial, depression, fear and anxiety. 

There are several reasons for these feelings, such as the social stigma associated with HIV and the health consequences HIV has. It is very important that one deals with these feelings when coping with HIV. 

The video at the right hand side gives a summary of how to deal emotionally with HIV and the different types of counselling that is available.

Sexual

Sexual partners may change their behavior towards their partner when finding out that he or she is HIV+. This can have a significant impact on the other person self- worth. Individuals who are HIV+ may also have a lower sex drive due to medical and psychological reasons. Sexual dysfunction can lead to tension in a relationship. The individual that is suffering from HIV must know that their partner will support them through this troubling time.

With great improvements in antiretroviral treatment. HIV/AIDS has become a condition which people are living with throughout their lives. It is however important that HIV infected people create behavioral changes to maintain their health and to always keep in mind that "prevention is better than cure."