Review Chapter 49 of the Arcangelo and Peterson text, as well as the Krummenacher et al. and Scourfield articles in the Learning Resources.

The prevalence of HIV cases may be attributed to increased complacency due to more advanced drug treatment options. Patients who are diagnosed with HIV may not consider the disease as serious as before because they have access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) that can prolong their lives. Furthermore, the use of ART can suppress the viral load to undetectable levels, making it difficult to transmit the virus to others (Krummenacher et al., 2013). This may result in people not being as cautious with their sexual behavior, increasing the likelihood of transmission.

Healthcare professionals can help change perceptions and increase awareness of the realities of the disease by providing education on the importance of prevention, testing, and adherence to medication. They can also address the myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV and emphasize that it is still a serious disease that can affect anyone. Health care professionals should advocate for the importance of regular testing to increase awareness of the disease and decrease the stigma associated with it (Scourfield, Waters, & Nelson, 2015).

There are several strategies to educate HIV positive patients on medication adherence and reduce the risk of infecting others. Patients should be educated on the importance of taking their medications as prescribed and on time. Healthcare providers can also provide counseling on how to manage side effects and how to deal with missed doses. Patients should be encouraged to disclose their status to their sexual partners and practice safe sex, such as using condoms and getting tested regularly. Additionally, healthcare providers can provide support and resources to help patients cope with the psychological and emotional effects of living with HIV.

In conclusion, advanced drug treatments for HIV have improved the prognosis for patients, but may have also led to increased complacency and transmission. Healthcare professionals can play a vital role in changing perceptions and increasing awareness of the realities of HIV. They can also provide education and resources to help HIV positive patients adhere to medication and reduce the risk of transmission. It is essential to address the stigma surrounding HIV and promote a comprehensive approach to HIV care that includes education, prevention, testing, and treatment.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). HIV in the United States: At a glance. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/ataglance.html

Krummenacher, I., Cavassini, M., Bugnon, O., & Schneider, M. P. (2013). An interdisciplinary HIV-adherence program combining motivational interviewing and electronic antiretroviral drug monitoring. AIDS care, 25(4), 465-476.

Scourfield, A., Waters, L., & Nelson, M. (2015). HIV infection: an update on recent advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. British Medical Bulletin, 113(1), 45-58.