HIV Scotland
promoting positive change
promoting positive change
Progress in HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Scotland has been grounded in sound evidence gathered from molecular, clinical and social research. This continues to be important with the increasing number of people living with HIV – over the last 6 years in Scotland new diagnoses have averaged at 400 per annum. This section provides information on the key research that has been undertaken in Scotland with relevance to professionals in the clinical and social science fields, as well as lay people and students of the subject.
Examples range from work that has been done on antiretroviral use, models of HIV progression and immune collapse, and social factors associated with sexual risk taking. One key area in relation to diagnosis has been the work undertaken on what influences affect decisions on HIV testing. In the area of psycho-social issues, there has been research into the experience of relationships of gay men living with HIV.
One of the areas of immediate benefit to people living with HIV is the opportunity to participate in clinical research which can give the research subjects the feeling of ‘giving something back’. This results in new treatment advances and development of new approaches when addressing issues around prevention, testing and diagnosis.
The history of HIV research in Scotland reflects huge progress over a relatively short space of time. Research evidence continues to influence policy, for example, in the development and implementation of the HIV Action Plan for Scotland. It will continue to play a major part in the search for new and effective treatments and underline the cost effectiveness of prevention and early diagnosis. HIV Scotland will continue to update this section as new research initiatives are developed and highlight the recommendations where robust evidence is presented.
You can become involved in research which adds to our understanding of how HIV affects people, and how services are provided.