Group 1: How does living with HIV impact the different dimensions of an individual’s “health wheel”?

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How HIV affects the different dimensions of one's health.

 Introduction
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, which is the body's natural defence system. Without a strong immune system, the body has trouble fighting off diseases. HIV can be transferred through unprotected sex and blood donations without laboratory tests. People living with HIV have had many challenges and have suffered stigmatization.HIV then results in an increased  rate of orphaned children .  In this blog we'll be discussing the affects that HIV has on an individuals dimensions of health.


Sexual dimension
Four types of sexual problems are commonly reported. They are:
  • Problems with sexual desire: this usually involves a loss of interest in sex, but sometimes a person’s sexual desires can increase to such an extent that it becomes problematic.
  • Problems with arousal: difficulties getting or keeping an erection for men; becoming relaxed and lubricated for women.
  • Orgasm problems: not having an orgasm at all or taking a long time to have one, or for men rapid (premature) ejaculation.
  • Pain: women with sexual problems often experience pain during sex which can lead to avoiding sex or cause problems in sexual relationships


Figure 1:Prevention for HIV
Spiritual dimension
Your spirituality gives your life meaning and a purpose. Spirituality is a big problem for most patients who are dealing with the chronic illnesses HIV/AIDS.

Whether you have HIV or not, your spirituality plays a big role in your life. There are some individuals with HIV/AIDS that use their spirituality as a method to cope with what they’re going through, to bring meaning and purpose to their lives and to keep them sane. It has been seen that when levels of spirituality are raised, then the life and well-being of the patient also improves.
Patients who are strong in their faith have less stress in their everyday lives and are genuinely happy. These patients also have stronger social and support groups and studies show that strong support systems lead to living a longer life.
Spirituality is a personal journey and healing comes from this journey 

Social dimension
Living with HIV does affect your social life because people who are HIV positive tend to be discriminated in the community and they feel as if they don’t belong there which can lead to them committing suicide. Through the support from family members, friends and supports groups, this really does give them hope to face the next day. Living with HIV does not mean that it’s the end of the world you can still engage in leisure activities such as exercising or going to the movies where you’ll get to interact with people. Being a motivational speaker also boosts your self-esteem and you actually get to educate people about HIV.


Mental dimension
Another source of major stress can be having an illness like HIV. Living with HIV challenges your sense of well-being or complicates existing mental health conditions.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions that people living with HIV face.. Symptoms can include:

·                  Sadness 
·                Hopelessness
·                 Loss of appetite 
·                      Disinterest in engaging and communicating with other
·                 Anxiety, mood and personality disorders 

What can you do? 
Ask your doctor for advice. The following people can help you cope with life challenges and mental health problems:
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • social workers
  • and therapists
       Case managers can help you find mental health treatment, housing and transportation programs, domestic violence shelters, and child care.


Emotional dimension

•Denial: People who find out that they are HIV positive often deal with the news by denying that it is true. 

• Anger: Many people are upset about how they got the virus or angry that they didn’t know they had the virus.

• Sadness or depression: It is also normal to feel sad when you find out that you have HIV.  

• Fear and anxiety: This may be caused by not knowing what to expect now that you’ve been diagnosed with HIV or not knowing how others will treat you after they find out you have HIV.  

• Stress: You and your loved ones may have to deal with more stress than usual. Stress is unique and personal to each of us.

Physical dimension 

HIV gradually weakens your natural defence system ,that is when different signs and symptoms will occur
the symptoms that may occur :
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Mouth or genital ulcers 
 
2:Physical effects

Once someone with HIV undergoes some of those symptoms, the physical body changes drastically and undergoes several traumas,for example:

 Tongue trouble
 You might experience inflammation of the tongue and may develop lesions or a white film on your tongue.






Bibliography
cichoki, M. (2018, 02 081). Very well health. Retrieved from Coping With HIV Through Religion & Spirituality: https://www.verywell.com/hiv-religion-and-spirituality-49455
corkery, S. (2016, June). nam aidsmap. Retrieved from Factsheet sexual dysfunction: http://www.aidsmap.com/Sexual-dysfunction/page/1044891/
nam aidsmap. (2014, 12). Retrieved from HIV treatment side effects and mental health: http://www.aidsmap.com/HIV-treatment-side-effects-and-mental-health/page/1439569/
respond to you. (n.d.). Retrieved from HIV Treatment Options, Symptoms, More: http://respondtoyou.com/results.php?k=earlysymptomshiv_respxndtoyxu_ben&pagetitle=HIV+Treatment+Options%2C+Symptoms%2C+More&rgid=18370




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