Living and Loving in the Times of HIV/AIDS

Pages: 1099-1103
Aparna Bhattacharya and Archana Shukla (Department of Psychology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, UP)

The purpose of the present paper is to highlight the threats in living and loving in the times of HIV/AIDS. HIV destroys the immune system and makes the body waste away. With reduced immune functioning come several opportunistic infections resulting in AIDS. HIV outside the human body is very fragile (easily destroyable); once inside, it is there for keeps. Nothing can then be done to remove the HIV virus. Once infected, the condition can only be managed with drugs. Since HIV is behaviorally acquired, its prevention is easy. To remain healthy and sero negative all one has to do is avoid indulging in high risk behaviors. Yet surveys indicate that HIV transmission rates have been increasing with some 33.4 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. This paper reviews the changing social trends with respect to educational and economic development, permissiveness and independence, increased mobility, exposure to western egalitarian norms, inter caste/religion/regional marriages, varying sexual orientations and a preoccupation of youth with social networking sites. There are also an increasing number of live-in relationships, distant relationships, gay/lesbian relationships, one night stand, and relationships with multiple partners. Some of these changes could predispose one to indulge in high risk behaviors and thus become vulnerable to HIV and STIs besides falling prey to other social, emotional, and legal problems. Social change is inevitable. It is often desirable too. The need of the hour is to develop strategies for making informed choices and indulging in healthy responsible behaviors. The transmission of HIV and STIs can be prevented by awareness building, life skills training to adolescents and young adults, enabling parents to discuss gender, sex and sexuality issues with their young children in a non threatening environment. We must remember that with freedom, power and fun comes a great deal of responsibility. We need to adapt to the social change by engaging in safer practices. Moral values, self respect, problem solving and negotiation skills and informed healthy choices should therefore be every ones concern in current lives and times. Change is the way of life. Adjusting to the changing social scenario in a healthy and responsible way is the concern of the present paper.