What is life like for people living with HIV in Australia today?
The latest HIV FUTURES 11 report gives us a national picture of the health, wellbeing and everyday experiences of people living with HIV. The study has been running since 1997 and is the longest-running study of its kind in Australia. It helps researchers and the HIV community understand what is going well and where more support is needed.

Living well with HIV

HIV treatment has changed greatly over the past few decades. Today, effective treatment helps people living with HIV stay healthy and live long lives. HIV FUTURES 11 continues to look at what helps people live well with HIV, including their physical health, mental health and overall quality of life. The report shows why quality of life is an important part of Australia’s HIV response. Good HIV care is not only about someone’s viral load or whether they are taking their medication. It is also about whether people feel healthy, connected, supported and able to enjoy their lives.

HIV treatment is part of a bigger picture

HIV FUTURES 11 asked people about their experiences of HIV treatment and healthcare. The survey looked at people’s views about antiretroviral treatment and their experiences of HIV clinical care. This is important because HIV treatment is something many people manage for many years. Good care should support people to feel confident about their treatment and give them the chance to ask questions and talk about any concerns they have.

Stigma is still an issue

HIV treatment has improved, but HIV stigma has not disappeared. HIV FUTURES 11 asked people about their experiences of stigma and discrimination. Stigma can affect how people feel about themselves, their relationships and whether they feel comfortable talking about HIV. It can also affect people’s willingness to disclose their HIV status or seek support. Learning the facts about HIV can help challenge stigma. For example, when a person living with HIV is on effective treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV on through sex. This is known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Being connected can make a difference

HIV FUTURES 11 also looked at social connection, peer support and resilience. Having people who understand your experiences can be important when living with HIV. This might include a partner, friends, family, peer workers or other people living with HIV. Peer support can provide connection and understanding that is difficult to find elsewhere. The report highlights the importance of looking at the whole person, not just their HIV.

Everyone’s experience is different

There is no single way to live with HIV. People living with HIV have different ages, cultures, relationships, families, financial situations and support networks. This means that services need to listen to people and understand what matters to them. HIV FUTURES 11 includes a wide range of topics, including health, wellbeing, financial security, housing, treatment, relationships, sex, stigma, support and social connection.

Why does this research matter?

HIV FUTURES is more than a survey. Its findings help shape HIV policy, healthcare and community services across Australia. The research also helps track Australia’s progress towards improving the quality of life of people living with HIV. The message from HIV FUTURES 11 is important: living well with HIV is about more than medical care. People living with HIV need access to good healthcare, but they also need connection, support, financial security, safe relationships and freedom from stigma. Listening to people living with HIV helps make sure Australia’s HIV response continues to meet the needs of the community.

Read more: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/arcshs/work/blood-borne-viruses/hiv-futures-11