Abstract
This paper reviews the literature and discusses the significant question that concerns health care providers up to the present day - that of the psychological and social effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on patients. It describes the use of HAART for patients with HIV/AIDS and the impact that it has had on their treatment. The paper then compares the studies and discusses their results.

From the Paper
"This study corroborated with the other study, albeit on a more detailed level, the overwhelming factors associated with patient characteristics versus the advent of HAART. These studies showed that, in spite of the breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS treatment starting in 1996, there were several intrinsic patient factors that were previous and grossly underestimated in their influence on HIV/AIDS treatment. It is evident that from these two studies that psychosocial distress in the various forms outlined in the second study adversely affected the initial impact of HAART. It should be noted that, in being a chronic disease, the progression of HIV/AIDS is insidious and can be easily overshadowed by the more immediate concerns of living such as poverty, substance and single parenthood. In addition, these studies have shown that the impact of the disease on patients cannot be contained within a strictly clinical framework. In the previous mindset that new therapies may positively affect patient behavior, this has been cast into serious doubt as psychosocial factors can affect behavior-associated aspects of therapy such as compliance and the presence of (or lack of) a support group."

Tags:distress, monotherapy, disease

Abstract
The paper discusses HAART, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, that is used for the treatment of infection by viruses such as HIV. The paper looks at how the effectiveness of HAART has been tested in a number of ways, but shows how its effectiveness depends on demographic and health factors. The paper then explains why the issue of HAART is relevant to nursing.

From the Paper
"HAART refers to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Antiretroviral medications are used for the treatment of infection by viruses such as HIV. HAART is comprised of a combination of several antiretroviral drugs. Since 1990, new antiretroviral nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have been used in combination with protease inhibitors and non-nucleosides. The effectiveness of HAART has been tested in a number of ways. However, effectiveness depends on demographic and health factors (Gange, Barron & Greenblatt, 2002). The issue of HAART is relevant to..."

Tags:haart, hiv, effects

Abstract
This essay takes an in-depth look at the "opt-out" rescue plan for Africa, antiretrovirals for Africans suffering from HIV/AIDS. The paper reports that diseases such as AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis have exacerbated Africans' plight by claiming millions of more African lives and leaving a comparable number of families crippled without the main income-provider and/or busy taking care of sick relatives.

Outline:
Introduction
The AIDS Problem and Economy
The Plan
Pros to the People and Government
Cons to the People and Government
Pros and Cons to the Health Care Providers
Pros and Cons to Pharmaceuticals
Pros and Cons to the United States
Conditions for the Plan
Other Plans of Helping the African Economy and AIDS Crisis and How They Fail
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Some say if there was hell on earth Africa would be it. For centuries, civil wars arising from corrupt governments and disputes over scarce resources have killed hundreds of thousands and displaced tens of millions more. This past century, diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis have exacerbated Africans' plight by claiming millions of more African lives and leaving a comparable number of families crippled without the main income-provider and/or busy taking care of sick relatives. These problems has seriously undermine the productivity of the African economy and has created a cruel reinforcing cycle where poverty has lead to more sickness from inability to obtain treatment and has made opportunities for corruption and civil unrest to thrive, which then increases poverty even more. In 2003, Africa's GDP per capita was the lowest at $1000, while the next continent's (Asia) GDP per capita earner took in at least double that amount; the United States was the highest at $28,000. Signs of economic recovery are showing as GDP per capita has increased some these past two years, but is still very weak1. There are many options in treating the problem, but it seems that only one is best in correcting it. I contend that in order for Africa to dig itself out of its economic and social decadence, it should attack the HIV/AIDS crisis through free mandatory "opt-out" testing, treatment, and counseling in hard hit HIV/AIDS area where there is an adequate health system to carry out the AIDS plan effectively and are in countries with little or any political corruption."

Tags:Anti-retroviral, retroviral, HIV, AIDS, poverty, Africa, opt-out plan, sustainability, clinic, testing, Botswana

Abstract
The paper relates that the advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) availability for general use in 1996 represented a breakthrough in the treatment of an otherwise resilient and feared disease, HIV/AIDS. The paper then explores the psychological and social effects of HAART on patients.

Tags:haart, psychosocial, impact

Abstract
The paper examines the issue of HIV and AIDS, commenting on the physiological progression of the disease on a histological level. The paper focuses on the immune system and then discusses HAART, highly active antiretroviral therapy, a newer therapy which is helping AIDS patients live longer and return to productive states. This paper highlights the problems resulting from HAART and the increased need for proper vocational counseling.

From the Paper
"AIDS is a life threatening illness that, similar to cancer, is a growing concern and is an illness increasing in occurrence at an alarming rate. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) development in 1996 changed the face of advanced AIDS care and prognosis. This paper will provide a high level epidemiological and histological presentation on the physiology of the illness, cite information on the current incidence rates and future projections and use of HAART. Additional information will be provided on the concerns related to the psychological ramification and adjustments required, stressing the implications for the vocational counselor. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an insidious virus that, enter the body through mucous membranes that allow the passing of bodily fluids or enter directly into the blood stream, attacks the body's only source of defense: the immune system. In order to understand the disease process, it is important to understand how the disease works."

Tags:aids, haart, counseling

Abstract
This paper presents a policy brief on providing antiretroviral drugs to HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries. Additionally, it describes two strategies, which are preventive measures and antiretroviral drugs, to counteract spread of the disease. The paper concludes with an analysis of the high cost of the HIV/AIDS drugs.

From the Paper
"Several decades after the advent of the HIV AIDS pandemic medical science has identified only two approaches to reducing the burden of sickness and death that is associated with this disease. Treatment involving antiretroviral therapy which has proven effective in delaying the decline in the immune system, the onset of opportunistic infections and death and prevention measures to limit the transmission of the disease including mass media campaigns, condom distribution, counseling and testing and education of prostitutes."

Tags:HIV/AIDS, developing countries, policymaking, antiretroviral drugs, World Health Organization

Abstract
In this article, the writer first explains that HAART refers to highly active antiretroviral therapy. The writer then points out that antiretroviral medications are used for the treatment of infection by viruses such as HIV. The writer notes that HAART is comprised of a combination of several antiretroviral drugs. Since 1990, new antiretroviral nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have been used in combination with protease inhibitors and non-nucleosides. The writer discusses that the effectiveness of HAART has been tested in a number of ways, however, its effectiveness depends on demographic and health factors. The writer maintains that the issue of HAART is relevant to nursing since it involves the well being and effective treatment of HIV+ patients. The writer finds this relevant because many patients today are HIV+, even though they may not be aware of their status and enter treatment for other reasons. Using literary sources, the writer examines the effectiveness of HAART for HIV+ patients and what modifies its effectiveness.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Critique
Implications for Nursing and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The purpose of Chu, Gange, and Anastos' study was to determine if hormonal contraceptive use played a part in the effectiveness of HAART. This comparative study used 77 hormonal contraceptive users and 77 nonusers. The design was a prospective cohort study since the sample was based on the larger group used by Gange, et al. The same methods were used as in the earlier study. The main finding was that HIV-infected hormonal contraceptive users and nonusers did not differ significantly in their immunologic and virologic responses to HAART. From the study, it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence that using hormonal contraceptives significantly changed the effectiveness of HAART."

Tags:drugs, health, treatment, medication

Abstract
This paper discusses HIV/AIDS both in general terms and in relation to the dynamic HIV/AIDS has created across the African continent. The paper examines, in depth, the cause, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It gives emphasis to testing, treatment, and prevention strategies currently employed and under development; primarily adjusting antiretroviral treatment strategies. Finally, it briefly examines how HIV/AIDS has changed and is changing the demographic structure across Africa and some reasons why HIV/AIDS is so prevalent in that region.

From the Paper
"AIDS/HIV and Africa HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Overview HIV or human immunodeficiency virus is a virus in a group of viruses called retroviruses and destroys cells in the body called CD4 T-cells. CD4 T-cells are a type of a white blood cell or a lymphocyte which are part of the body's immune system. These cells are vital to protect the body against various bacteria, viruses and other forms of infecting agents (Freiberg). AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a term which covers the range of infections and illnesses resulting from a weakened auto immune system caused by HIV. This distinction is important; one can be HIV positive and not to be suffering from AIDS (Freiberg). Most often there exists a lengthy period of time, usually several years, from first being infected with HIV, and the development of infections and other AIDS related issues."

Tags:africa, hiv, aids

Abstract
The writer notes that from a humanitarian point of view, as well as from an economic point of view, it would seem appropriate that authorities should endeavour to protect the most innocent of all innocent victims - new born babies. The writer then discusses that the existence of effective drugs offers the possibility of saving literally millions of newborns from the horrible fate of being born with AIDS. Thus, it would seem that curbing mother to child transmission of AIDS (MTCT) with the use of antiretrovirals should be the top priority of governments in sub-Saharan Africa. This would be the most humane and cost-effective way of coping with the AIDS crisis in the medium to long term. Yet this is not the case. This essay seeks to examine the extent to which MTCT is being combated in sub-Saharan Africa, the reasons for this lack of commitment and to come up with suggestions to improve the situation.

Outline:
Background/Rationale:
Objectives
Methodology
Outcomes

From the Paper
"The last-mentioned factor brings us to another problem that complicates the issue of MTCT in Africa. There is some controversy over the issue of nursing, as some studies have indicated that HIV is not transmitted in this way, while others have suggested that in poverty-stricken communities, the benefits of breast milk outweigh the risks posed by possible MTCT of AIDS. The problem is that - unlike in North America - in sub-Saharan Africa countless numbers of babies die of malnutrition, or from infectious diseases. Breast milk provides some measure of protection from both of these, as it is an ideal source of nutrition, and also passes the mother's antibodies to infants. Thus, it is extremely difficult to know whether to advise HIV positive mothers not to nurse - more harm may be done than good."

Tags:death, poverty, victim, HIV, babies

Abstract
This paper looks at the problem of HIV/AIDS and the issue of complementary nutritional therapies that can be used to slow its progression and boost the immune system of HIV/AIDS patients. The paper also discusses the implications of utilizing these therapies and gives recommendations how to implement complementary nutritional therapies for HIV/AIDS. The paper discusses these treatments and also looks at how HIV/AIDS symptoms can be affected by proper nutrition and nutritional therapies and what kind of prevalence is noted with reduction of symptoms of HIV/AIDS when proper nutrition and nutritional therapies are employed.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Background
Research Question
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Summary
Chapter 2 -- Review of Related Literature and Research
Introduction
Literature Review
Summary
Chapter 3 -- Results and Findings
Introduction
Analysis of Data
Findings
Summary
Chapter 4 -- Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations for Further Research
Conclusions and Implications
Summary

From the Paper
"Although it would appear that the government in general is doing little to help communities from being completely decimated by the HIV/AIDS virus, there are some HIV/AIDS prevention measures that are being undertaken by some areas of the government that may apply to many individuals. In general, however, most of the information given is not culture specific and therefore will not apply well to some individuals and their cultural beliefs and feelings. The government is also lacking in getting the message out regarding what should be done once the virus is contracted and there has been almost nothing from the government regarding complementary nutritional therapies. Some of this information is important here, however, because it indicates what makes an HIV/AIDS program successful and may be helpful to educators in the future as they work toward finding various ways to get the treatment information out there to more people."

Tags:virus, therapy, disease, immune, progression, antiretroviral