Psychosocial Aspects of People Living with HIV/AIDS

The chapter reports on psycho-social aspects of people living with HIV/AIDS and their responses. Besides identifying particular issues like fear, loss, grief, hopelessness and helplessness syndrome, guilt and self-esteem, anxiety and depression, denial, anger, aggression and suicide attempts are also identified. The objective is also to analyse the spiritual needs, discrimination and stigmatization of HIV positive people. Special remark is directed towards children, as a most vulnerable group, especially in the situation when they are orphaned and need to cope with the dead and dying. Discussion on HIV/AIDS is in many third-world countries still accompanied by taboo, misunderstandings, shame, guilt and rejection. Culturally conditioned silence about sexuality, sexual behaviour conceals risky sexual behaviour and sexual abuse and especially sexual abuse of children. Due to cultural, religious and legal aspects of the topic is HIV/AIDS, death, sexuality, the discussion is led only by a small group of experts. Rejection or lack of awareness about HIV/AIDS significantly limits the ability of effective and decent care for HIV-positive people and their families. It is very important to speak about HIV/AIDS loudly, to speak about the feelings and reactions of people living with HIV/AIDS. The research study rivets at psycho-social aspects of HIV/AIDS people living in Nairobi, in Kenya, who received voluntary counselling and testing services.