HIV and Mental Health
My disease will be: HIV and Mental Health
Include the following sections:
Application of Course Knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail.
Select a condition covered in this course that interests you or is relevant to your nursing practice. Identify the condition you’ve selected.
Briefly explain your rationale for selecting this particular condition. What influenced your selection?
Investigate the prevalence and incidence of the chosen condition in the United States (U.S.). What are the incidence, prevalence, and affected populations?
Find and summarize a scholarly article that discusses your selected condition. What does the article say about your condition and its pathophysiology and manifestations? How is the article relevant to your understanding of the condition?
Sample Solution
Okay, let's craft a discussion post focusing on HIV and Mental Health, addressing the specified sections.
Application of Course Knowledge
Condition Selected: HIV and Mental Health
Rationale for Selection: I've chosen to focus on the intersection of HIV and mental health due to its profound impact on individuals and communities. This condition is particularly relevant to nursing practice because it requires a holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental well-being. My interest stems from the complex interplay between chronic illness, social stigma, and psychological distress, and the urgent need for integrated care models. Furthermore, I have seen the devastating impact of this co-morbidity in my practice.
Prevalence and Incidence in the U.S.:
- HIV Incidence and Prevalence:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while new HIV diagnoses have decreased in recent years, significant disparities persist. Certain populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly Black and Hispanic MSM, are disproportionately affected. In 2021, 36,136 people received an HIV diagnosis in the United States.
- The prevalence of HIV in the U.S. is approximately 1.2 million people.
Full Answer Section
- Mental Health Prevalence in People with HIV:
- People living with HIV are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies indicate that the prevalence of depression among people with HIV is two to three times higher than in the general population.
- Factors that increase the likelyhood of mental health issues in people with HIV include, social stigma, chronic illness burden, and neurobiological effects of HIV.
Summary of a Scholarly Article:
- Article: "The Impact of Mental Health Disorders on HIV Treatment Adherence and Viral Suppression: A Systematic Review" (Replace with an actual article you find).
- Summary: This article examines the relationship between mental health disorders and HIV treatment adherence and viral suppression. It highlights that individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions are more likely to experience difficulties adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART), leading to suboptimal viral suppression. The pathophysiology involves the interplay of neurobiological effects of HIV, psychological distress, and social factors that impede treatment engagement. The manifestations include increased viral load, decreased CD4+ cell counts, and higher rates of opportunistic infections. The article emphasizes the importance of integrated care models that address both HIV and mental health needs simultaneously.
- Relevance: This article is highly relevant to my understanding of the condition because it underscores the critical role of mental health in HIV care. It reinforces the need for nurses to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in people with HIV and to advocate for integrated care. It also highlights the importance of patient centered care, and the need to address all aspects of the patients health.