More cautious, more optimistic: Australian people living with HIV/AIDS, 1997-1999

The aim of this study was to assess whether the lives of Australian people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have improved to the extent hoped for followin g the introduction of new antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV. In 1997, 925 Australian PLWHA completed the first national survey of the social impacts of HIV/AIDS. In 1999, 924 Australian PLWHA were recruited for a repeat of t he survey. Study participants completed an anonymous self-administered ques tionnaire. The data revealed that although new ARV drugs have improved the clinical profiles of many PLWHA, there have not been corresponding improvem ents in the physical well-being, levels of employment, or financial circums tances of many PLWHA. Nevertheless, PLWHA express favourable attitudes towa rd ARV drugs. Australian PLWHA have a complex relationship with their ARV m edication that is likely to change over time as their HIV disease progresse s and new treatments become available.