Living long-term with HIV/AIDS: Exploring impact in psychosocial and vocational domains

Issue title: HIV/AIDS and Employment: The Continuing Challenge

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Vetter, Charlene J. | Donnelly, James P.

Affiliations: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Charlene J. Vetter, Department of Counseling, School & Educational Psychology, 409 Christopher Baldy Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260-1000, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: In the last decade, new treatments for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have led to improved health and longer life expectancies for many HIV-positive individuals. Coping with HIV/AIDS as a chronic, rather than terminal illness presents new challenges for those living with the disease and for service providers. This review of HIV/AIDS-related literature attempts to address the major medical, psychological and psychosocial challenges related to living long-term with HIV/AIDS and consider how they may present obstacles to attainment of educational and vocational goals for HIV-positive individuals. Implications for service providers and suggestions for future research are discussed. An exploratory study of needs assessment is proposed.

Journal: Work, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 277-286, 2006