The Use Of Behavioral Interventions On The Hiv / Aids...

Abstract Gay, bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) have been stigmatized due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Since its discovery in 1980, biomedical research has been advanced significantly in the fight against the sexually transmitted disease; however, a cure is still yet to be found. Despite that, researchers suggest incorporating behavioral strategies to treat HIV-infected individuals to avoid any continuing transmission of the virus. This paper presents the study of thirty three MSM who participated in a review to test the efficiency of behavioral interventions on individual, group, and community levels expected to reduce high risk behaviors such as unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), substance abuse, and so forth and to†¦show more content†¦Both diseases have mainly been affecting human beings since its discovery in 1981. They cause the immune systems to deteriorate by destroying white blood cells and hindering their ability to fight against illnesses (What Is, 2014). W hen one participates in high risk events such as having unprotected sex, sharing contaminated syringes, blood transfusions or organ donations, tainted fluids may enter the body through the mucous membrane, damaged tissue or by direct injection into the bloodstream when one is not cautious (â€Å"How Do†, 2014). Once the immune system weakens, the body begins to produce minor illnesses which become more severe over time. As HIV progresses into AIDS, manifestations become prolonged and more strenuous causing the individual to suffer or eventually die if left untreated (â€Å"Signs†, 2014). The thought of contracting any disease is alarming itself; still, it is crucial to know that any person with the virus can continue living a healthy life without any patent signs (â€Å"Signs†, 2014). For many years, a stigma revolves in our country claiming that gay men are more prone of contracting the disease because of their high risk behavior. Today the Center for Disease Control (CDC) declares that there are â€Å"1.1 million people aged 13 years and older living with HIV in the