**8. Acknowledgment**

152 Social and Psychological Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Their Ramifications

Similarly, PLWHA who are using HAART therapy may be less inclined to insist on safer behaviors if they perceive the consequences of HIV infection to be somewhat less terrible because of the availability and efficacy of this antiretroviral therapy. In this era of HAART, addressing the psychosocial health burdens of PLWHA will be an essential component to

While the need for effective psychosocial health services for PLWHA is clear, the challenges are equally evident. At least three areas are suggested as high priorities for future research. First, interventions for depression should be developed for PLWHA. Evidence should be gathered on the effectiveness of such interventions not only for improving mental health but also for reducing substance abuse and HIV/AIDS-risky behaviors so as to reduce transmission of HIV/AIDS. Particular attention is warranted for methods or ways to identify PLWHA who are experiencing depression and to understand and address the

In this study, an exhaustive review of literature on the epidemiology and determinants of HIV/AIDS transmission has been organized into a repository from which relevant data for building the dynamic epidemiologic models was derived. The results of epidemiologic models can be used to provide important insights into HIV/AIDS transmission dynamics at the macro (human population) level and to evaluate alternative HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategies. Thus, dynamic epidemiologic modelling is an essential research tool that scientists can employ to make prediction estimates of current prevalence and future incidence of HIV/AIDS cases. Computational models can be used to examine alternative strategies for effective interventions that lead to better planning and policy-making for all

Despite knowledge of their status, PLWHA are continuing to engage in HIV/AIDS-risky behaviors. Understanding the multiple variables that impact on HIV/AIDS-risky behaviors among PLWHA will be critical in the search for alternatives to the way in which these problems are addressed at the present time. Psychosocial factors and substance abuse variables, which play a significant role in HIV/AIDS-risky behaviors, may contribute to the high probability of HIV/AIDS transmission. Cross-disciplinary research – to include advanced knowledge of basic and applied psychological and social research and the manners in which they interact together – is needed to develop effective HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategies. Scientists interested in HIV/AIDS research can employ these correlation findings to identify factors that covary with behaviors that put people at

Recognizing that the impact of HIV/AIDS is not only biological but psychosocial in nature, intervention programs, including education and counseling, must be designed holistically to address the complex challenges faced by PLWHA. This population should be offered or provided a comprehensive set of psychosocial interventions at all levels of the health system. In particular, depression-related issues for PLWHA should be addressed and specific psychosocial and psychotherapeutic interventions should be provided to more effectively address associated alcohol and other substance abuse problems. Based on the findings of this study, our recommendations are as follows to identify and create effective strategies to reduce HIV/AIDS and ultimately eliminate this devastating pandemic: 1) Create dynamic epidemiologic models that integrate SES and psychosocial variables as they

mechanisms through which these experiences pose barriers to healthy behaviors.

the development of effective strategies to combat HIV/AIDS.

**7. Conclusion and recommendations** 

disease control and prevention efforts.

risk for negative outcomes.

This work was supported by a Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Award, 2G12RR03059-16, from the National Center for Research Resources and Project EXPORT Award from the National Center on Minority Health and Disparities (NCMHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
