Casimiro GC, Pereira CT, Molica TB, Hagstron HH, Ribeiro JF, Bitencourt MR, Ferreira EF; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. D12870.
GIV-Grupo de Incentivo a Vida, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Issues: People living with HIV/AIDS face health problems related to ill periods, side effects of medications, and distress as a result of discrimination. AIDS-related stigma can generate isolation, and thus feelings of loneliness, unworthiness, and lack of help. Description: GIV -Grupo de Incentivo a Vida- is a NGO of people living with HIV/AIDS. One of the activities offered by the institution is the GVTTherapeutic Living Group. This group has weekly meetings and works exclusively with people infected by HIV. This group is not coordinated by professionals, instead it is the people living with the virus themselves who use this meetings to discuss their feelings in relationship to their sexuality, adherence to medications, work difficulties, stigma, isolation, loneliness, and all other related feelings that make part of living withHIV/AIDS. Lessons learned: This group has an excellent therapeutic effect given that it offers people living with HIV/AIDS the opportunity to share experiences. The creation of solidarity networks with people who share similar problems is an important strategy for the people's empowerments to face AIDS. Another important aspect of this activity is its low cost given that it only requires a physical space to conduct the meetings. Recommendations: It is important to point out that participating in this group neither opposes to having access to specialized psychological treatment when needed, nor to participating in other groups or activities for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Research
- Social Support
- Virus Diseases
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102278386
From Meeting Abstracts