reposted from immunity.org.uk
I recently received a request to fill in a research questionnaire done by a Masters Student in Health Psychology, in association with the Hospital relating to HIV/AIDS patients. The results were printed in the gay press and the results outlined that few patients use Internet to access information on HIV treatments and ‘how few challenge their physician or pose questions regarding treatment’
At first I was pleased that research was being done, I feel Health Psychology plays a major role in the path of HIV/AIDS, however after several attempts to fill in the form, eventually out of frustration, I discarded it. I found the questionnaire failed to acknowledge the complexities of the virus, as well as the complexities and journeys of individuals, to create a more true and meaningful result, or even assess trends and therefore was unable to fill out the form and tick the boxes in a way where I felt that I was being true to myself and helpful to the study. The findings of the research were presented at a recent Body Positive seminar, and one recognized physician pointed out, 'there is no expectation of a cure for HIV in the foreseeable future'. I question this by asking, ”Is it because the whole HIV/AIDS does not exist in the threshold of which we have all believed it to be?”
