Research Showcase [M.Phil.] Psychological Management Of HIV-Patients by Afroza Rahman
Supervised by Dr. Roquia Begum
Abstract
The present study was earned out to know the psychological problems of HlV-infected individuals and to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to decrease the psychological problems of HIV patients. The sample of the study comprised of 10 diagnosed HIV patients. Of the 10 samples, 6 were males and 4 were females. Their age range was from 25-44 years and they w'ere from different socio-economic background. Since the study was a qualitative one and followed case study method, the sample size was small. To collect data the ^ researcher used in-depth interview'' method along with some psychometric tools like Anxiety Scale, Depression Scale and Rating Scale. The scales were also used to monitor whether any change occurred due to psychological intervention. The samples were divided into two groups; (I) Experimental group and (2) Control group. The psychological intervention was given only to the Experimental group. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) was used as a method of intervention.
The findings of the study showed that HIV positive people were suffering from various psychological problems. Their mental status was very poor, which affected every part of their life and made barrier to enjoy quality of life. It was also found that the outcome of the psychological treatment was satisfactory. It was interesting to see that the significant improvement in the areas of cognitive, affective, physical etc was reported by the subject’s themselves. Therefore, it can be said that appropriate psychological intervention can bring positive change and progress to the HIV positive persons and the HIV positive persons need psychological servicc in order to regain their destroyed mental state and lead a better life.
The limitations of the present study were discussed and further research in this area with large sample was recommended.