REPORT
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, is a result of the human immune system being depleted by the virus. The stress of having a serious medical illness, like HIV, may also negatively affect a person’s mental health. This may lead to changes in how person thinks and behaves. Thus psychologists have an important role to play in designing behavioral change strategies and in framing public health responses to the AIDS epidemic.
The Department of Psychology organized a field trip for the final year students to “Nazareth Care And Support Centre” Kinassery on 17th January, 2020, under the guidance of Mr. Jith George, Head of the Department, Department of Psychology. The students reached their destination by 10.00 am. They were enlightened about the HIV virus, how the institution is run and a general awareness of the illness by Mr. Antony, one of the administrators of the institution. Students were also given an opportunity to interact with some of the inmates. There were a total of 24 inmates from age 25-90, and all of them were females. Students were provided information about the daily routine and the treatment of inmates. Students performed cultural programs to entertain the inmates and also ensured their participation in programs.
The trip was really enlightening. Students gained more knowledge about the illness, and have received a better insight about the hardships of those suffering from AIDS.
