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HIV/AIDS Research Paper

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HIV/AIDS Research Paper
HIV/AIDS

Throughout history, few illnesses have carried as much significance as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS. Similar human catastrophes have presented in our history such as, bubonic plague, leprosy and tuberculosis. All of these dreaded sicknesses have caused pain and suffering across cultures. Pain is associated with the physical distress of the patient, suffering is culturally distinctive, it describes the affliction of the human spirit and how community members cope with it. AIDS has given moral "do-gooders" a ripe opportunity to condemn others for behaviors which do not coincide with their perceived values. Globally, Americans have been blamed for creating the virus and spreading the disease worldwide. AIDS has created a symbol for suffering across the globe and this term paper demonstrates two different approaches to the care and concern for those afflicted with the HIV/AIDS virus.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS, is a disease entity that has been identified since 1981 among homosexual men and intravenous drug users, witch is characterized by severe weight loss, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes and some AIDS victims develop severe dementia. AIDS is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), The virus commonly enters the body via blood transfusion or blood contaminates needles and through sexual contact. The virus attacks selected cells in the immune system and produces defects in function. This leaves the body open to an invasion by various infections; therefore, called opportunistic diseases and the development of unusual cancers. The virus also tends to reach certain brain cells. Since the first AIDS cases were reported in 1981, through mid-1991, more than 190,000 AIDS cases and more than 120,000 deaths had been reported in about 162 countries worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa in particular appears to suffer a heavy burden of this illness. So far there is no cure or vaccine that exists. Further study of AIDS



Bibliography: Bell, Emma, et al. "Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and HIV Testing: Perspectives and Experiences of Women and Men Living with HIV and AIDS." _Reproductive health matters_ 15.29, Supplement 1 (2007): 113-35. Print. Corless, Inge B., and Kathleen M. Nokes. "Professional Nursing Education 's Response to the HIV/AIDS Pandemic." _Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS care_ 7.Supplement 1 (1996): 15-22. Print. Holschneider, Silvia O. M., and Cheryl S. Alexander. "Social and Psychological Influences on HIV Preventive Behaviors of Youth in Haiti." _Journal of Adolescent Health_ 33.1 (2003): 31-40. Print.

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