Session: Alternative and Complementary Practices in HIV and Hepatitis

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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

4194.0: Tuesday, November 07, 2006: 2:30 PM-4:00 PM

Oral

Alternative and Complementary Practices in HIV and Hepatitis

Acupuncture has more recently moved into the mainstream of modern medicine as a way for treating symptoms related to chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis-C. This session describes the relationship between acupuncture and treatments for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis-C. The first study identifies the relationship between psychosocial variables such as self-esteem and the use of acupuncture among people living with HIV/AIDS. The second study focuses on understanding the role of acupuncture treatment in improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The third study reports on a double-blind randomized control trial incorporating relaxation as well as acupuncture techniques for treating HIV/AIDS. The fourth study explores the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments for people participating in the Living with Hepatitis-C Project (LHCP).

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: (1) Identify the role that acupuncture use plays in the mental health of people living with HIV/AIDS; (2) identify how acupuncture influences medication adherence as well as how to recognize the value of using a cost-effectiveness framework in determining the value of an intervention; (3) Describe the enhanced effect of the Relaxation Response on quality of life in HIV/AIDS patients treated with acupuncture, and; (4) Describe how education groups and peer support may assist people in making treatment decisions related to Hepatitis-C virus.

Moderator(s):

Elizabeth A. Sommers, MPH, LicAc

2:30 PM

Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, and Acupuncture Use and Their Relationship to Mental Health in HIV+ Adults