Abstract Book Vol. 2 [International Conference on AIDS (14th: 2002: Barcelona, Spain)]

XIV International AIDS Conference

Abstracts WePeF6828-WePeF6832 287

Description: Peer support helps provide treatment adherence for PWHAs. Most
PLWHAs on treatment do not know the expected side effects as well as the difference in drugs before starting treatment. Many available ARV drugs are not known
to PLWHAs. Those on triple combination therapy only last for few years. There is
a belief that therapy is a waste of money thus there is no intention to continue.
In Malaysia, many are unaware of the second, third & forth regime, which may
last for another 20 years with compliance, to improve the quality of life. During an
outreach, I met a woman with limited financial means who had just started her
first regime, with AZT and DDI. The drugs be came resistant after 3 months. She
felt depressed as she needed to find a way to finance the cost of the second regimen. I acted to provide support for her future adherence & for her easy reference
and discussion. Our slogan "Do you taken drugs on time?" is used as part of our
adherence regime. Without peer support, there would be problems taking drugs
at work.
Lessons learned: There is a lack of sufficient treatment information concerning
drug descriptions of weight, dosage time & side effects. There is a lack of reading
material in the local languages to disseminate information concerning the need
for supplements, good food & nutrition. Peer to peer support builds up confidence
& acceptance to continue treatment via effective communication.
Recommendation: To conduct adherence training workshops that are able to
help PWHAs in long term survival through proper management. Involvement of
PWAs would reduce difficulties in compliance.
Presenting author: Cheap Foh Low, 25, Jalan 51A/226, 46100 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail:
erd_2000_1999 @ yahoo.co.uk
WePeF6828 The support of HIV+children's parents through the
educational and peer support groups
V. Dragomir. Matei Ba/s Institute of Infectious Diseases, Str Franarului, Nr. 4,
76716 Bucharest, Romania
Issues: In Romania the peer support groups for HIV affected persons are a
demand that it was answer by actions of NGO, associations of HIV/AIDS infected/affected persons and the professional (psychologist, social worker) from
the HIV/AIDS field.
Description: A type of program offered by the "Birth to three" (an organization
from USA), implemented in Romania by Holt International; the name of program
is "How to became better parents" and it answers to needs of varied category of
parents. This program was also a modality of training and support for the HIV+
children's parents. This paper describes the modality of how benefited the two
groups of parents by these courses.The parents learned to deal with the stress
and they assimilated the abilities to communicate, efficient abilities for the role
of parent, how to understand better their children and to build a network of support.This paper is based on personal experience as social assistent and trainer
with the Resources for Parents Center, Bucharest, Romania.
Lessons learned: While this category of clients becomes eager to resolve their
problems, this type of program answer to their needs.
Recommendation: This research recommends that practice and appropriate
models of peer development, education and support be established and applied.
Presenting author: Viorica Dragomir, Str. Franarului, Nr. 4, 76716 Bucharest,
Romania, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePeF6829 CPN+: Networking to Improve PLHA Involvement
in HIV/AIDS Activities
S. Chhim. Khana, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Issues: An estimated 169,000 people in Cambodia are infected with HIV and
countless others are affected as relatives, friends, colleagues and carers of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS (PLHA). A determinant of vulnerability for
PLHA is the low level or lack of information available to them regarding HIV, appropriate treatment of O and of their rights. The lack of services, structures and
safety nets further increases vulnerability. The fear of PLHA in revealing their status because of widespread discrimination denies access to services, creates a
loss of employment and results in social ostracism.
Descriptions: In recognition of the growing need for support, a network for PLHA
support groups has emerged from the encouragement of the government/NGO
Home Base Care Teams. The Cambodian People Living With HIV/AIDS Network
(CPN+) was recently formed to help PLHA lead a higher quality of life through increasing access to health care; improving livelihoods by increasing employment
opportunities; capacity building; empowerment and increasing solidarity whilst simultaneously combating the discrimination, violence and social stigma surrounding PLHA by advocacy and lobbying. Since the recent inception of CPN+, meetings and workshops have been organized through collaborative support from the
Asia Pacific Network of PLHA, UNAIDS, the Policy Project and the International
AIDS Alliance. National and international media exposure has been obtained
and CPN+ is actively building capacity through English and drug management

classes, improving care and support skills and attendance at international conferences.
Lessons learned/Recommendations: CPN+ strives for GIPA and is progressing to actively take part in policy and decision-making at the national and local
level,gaining strength through linking governments and civil society across the
country,the region and the globe. CPN+ will need continued support to develop
and grow in order to help address the issues facing PLHA.

Presenting author: Sarath Chhim, #25 Street 71, Boeung Keng Kang I, Chamcar Mom, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone],
E-mail: [email protected]
WePeF6830 Psychosocial support to reduce social exclusion
of HIV-positive prostitutes in Burundi
D. Mpincqanzima1, P. Rumina1, M. Schneider2. 1SWAA, BP 73, Ngozi, Burundi;
2_, Bujumbura, Burundi
Issues: Psychosocial support to help social integration are crucial for people infected with HIV, particularly for marginalised groups. In Burundi, HIV-positivity is
often concealed for fear of social exclusion. Several approaches for psychosocial
support have been developed in this context.
Description: In October 1997, 10 HIV-positive prostitutes had individually contacted a support group (SWAA, Society for women and AIDS in Africa, Burundi)
in Ngozi (northern Burundi). In a group, they were encouraged to share common
experiences. This was followed by individual and collective counselling on HIV
infection and life with HIV. With micro-credits and aid in kind, the women set up
stalls for food in the local market that are still running today. This gain of economic
autonomy improved their social position and favourably influenced their health.
Lessons learned: Sharing common experiences in groups can facilitate counselling and accepting HIV infection, also for marginalised persons. Economic independence improves the social situation and may favour health.
Recommendations: Psychosocial support is essential and must be adapted to
the situations of marginalised people. Coping in groups can limit social exclusion.
Presenting author: Diane Mpinganzima, BP 73, Ngozi, Burundi, Tel.: +257
302383, Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePeF6831 The importance of literature produced by HIV
positive women for HIV positive women
F.J. Pettitt, S. O'Sullivan. ICW,ICI 2c Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London
N1 3QP, United Kingdom
Issue: Most literature on HIV and women relates to prevention of infection; very
little exists for women who have already been diagnosed HIV positive.
Description: The International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS
(ICW) is the only international network run by HIV positive women for HIV positive
women. Since its inception in 1994, ICW has been acutely aware of the desperate lack of information in existence for women who have been diagnosed HIV
positive. In order to address this situation, in 1998 ICW developed 'A Positive
Woman's Survival Kit', available in English, French, Spanish and Russian.
The 'Survival Kit' results from drawing together knowledge and experience of HIV
positive women throughout the world to provide a resource containing strategies
for living with HIV that have been tried and tested by HIV positive women. At all
stages HIV positive women were involved and ensured that the topics and terminology were appropriate practically and culturally to the regions in which they
lived. Facts sheets are included which cover a variety of topics: from tips on eating
well, to condom use, to human rights. Feedback received both orally and via the
evaluation form show how the 'Survival Kit' has become an invaluable resource
to HIV positive women all over the world in living positively with HIV.
Lessons learned: i) Early in its development it was acknowledged that we are
all from different parts of the world and different backgrounds; we have different life experiences. The 'Survival Kit' is positive in its approach to diversity and
difference and has bridged those differences so that it is useful to women in all situations. ii) HIV positive women benefit immensely through receiving peer support
from other HIV positive women. iii) Translation is needed into as many languages
as possible.
Recommendations: More literature and information should be developed for HIV
positive women by HIV positive women.
Presenting author: Fiona Pettitt, ICW, 2c Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP, United Kingdom, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone],
E-mail: [email protected]
WePeF6832 Music as an alliance in reducing the stress level of
people with HIVIAIDS
F.L.J. Jean-Baptiste. Chicago Womens Aids Project, 7438 N Hermitage #2F
Chicago,/IL, 60626, United States
Background: This study was conducted to examine association between the
therapeutic use of music as a form of support group, reduction in symptom distress, coping skills of People with HIV/AIDS and improvement in CD4 cell count.
Methods: Participants (N=80, 40 Men, 40 Women) were people with HIV/AIDS
of low socioeconomic status attending a support group for people with HIV/AIDS
in the greater Chicago area. The support group met twice monthly from Mar2000 through Dec-2000. Participants completed an Outcome questionnaire, Fain
ily Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation, and Stress Alliance Questionnaire. Researchers of this study in collaboration with participant physicians monitored Viral
Load and CD4 count level.
Results: Prior to starting the Music Support Group, participants having given informed consent to participate, CD4 and Viral Loads were taken. The mean and
standard deviations for major variables were calculated. Study examined if individually reported stress perceptions in any one domain (bonds, tasks, goals