To delve into the panorama, according to the study “Associated Factors of Suicidal Thoughts in HIV-Positive Individuals”, different factors are presented that promote suicidal ideation in people with HIV. These factors, to list a few: are related to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety; hopelessness; The severity of the disease; added to socioeconomic and demographic factors.
The Penn State University School of Medicine revealed in 2021 research that people with HIV are 100 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the average population. The study indicates that one in two people with HIV have a suicide attempt and of every 13 attempts, one will result in death.
In this context, foundations and non-profit organizations such as fundaid, that It was born in the 1980s and since then it has provided specialized medical advice, psychological services, nutritional care, dental services, detection tests, accompaniment, complementary therapies and support groups, working for and for the comprehensive health of the population that lives in with HIV/AIDS.
“Since the foundation’s beginnings, we have worked for the well-being and quality of life of all people, placing special emphasis on those who, from then until now, have been detected with HIV. We have different services aimed at making the detection and follow-up of the disease easier, these range from detection tests, to support groups and therapies or complementary health services such as dental follow-up”, he mentioned. David Alvarado, president of Fundasida.
Prevention and medical resources
Sex life is part of a person’s development, so when having an active sex life it is important to get tested and have the most important information on sexually transmitted infections and HIV, so condom use (male or feminine) must be essential in sexual relations.
“If one were aware of how easy it is to prevent this virus, through adequate information, as well as the use of condoms as the first barrier when having sexual relations, or a constant medical check-up based on detection tests, the situation would be different” stressed Alvarado.
The other alternative to the condom is the use of the Prep, it is a daily medication that serves as a protection against contracting HIV, it must be supplied by a health professional and you must be negative to this virus to be able to use it and not contract it. by having sex without a condom, however, that does not nullify the possibility of contracting other infections of this nature.
As of this December 1, 2022 in Spain, public health will begin to supply the vaccine against HIV, although it is in the testing phase, this implies the advancement of science to eradicate its spread.
Living with an immunocompromised disease
Let’s start from the fact that HIV is not the same as AIDS and that the former does not represent a death sentence, it is a condition that has to be controlled and monitored to prevent it from becoming AIDS and compromising the life of the carrier.
Let’s start from the fact that HIV is not the same as AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a microorganism that attacks the immune system, making the body more susceptible to disease or infection. When people do not receive timely treatment, the multiplication of the virus can deteriorate the immune system and make the individual vulnerable. However, early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of the disease. AIDS is the final phase of HIV infection; It is the most serious since it is where the immune system is most damaged and people can contract more infections or other serious diseases, inevitably resulting in the death of the patient.
HIV-related stigma and discrimination
Maintaining health becomes a priority, many times fears are also generated regarding the social response, the stigma and discrimination that people with HIV may experience. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States, affirms that people with HIV are among the most vulnerable and violated groups, due to the taboo or stigma that exists around this disease, causing them to be victims of discrimination, either by avoiding or denying them. in their social, work and even family circle. This type of attitude has a negative impact on the health and well-being of people and can even violate their human rights.
To prevent and support people with HIV it is very important that they have a support system, be it family or friends. In case of not having this network, there are non-profit organizations that help in crisis or emergency situations.
The Trevor Project is an organization that has trained counseling and is prepared to provide help in crisis situations and suicide prevention. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the website www.thetrevorproject.mx/ayuda or by sending a text message with the word “Begin” at 67676 or by WhatsApp at 55 9225 3337.