Comprehensive primary health care for HIV positive gay men

Abstract

Due to the seriousness of the health consequences that result from the inadequate treatment of HIV, much attention has been given to reductions in viral loads, maintaining strong CD4 levels, and other medical strategies geared specifically towards strengthening HIV positive gay men’s immune systems. The concept of comprehensive primary health care extends beyond foci on physiological aspects of the HIV positive gay men’s experiences of wellness and illness. Comprehensive primary health care is organized into five principles that more holistically consider factors that impact health. It includes important multilevel components that require care coordination and collaboration across a variety of sectors. Health care providers must better understand and address the comprehensive primary health care needs of HIV positive gay men to help ensure that their experiences in social and political contexts are, to the extent possible, accommodated in models of health care designed to address their complex needs.