2say Yes To Safe Sexjonica Thompsonmaster Of Public Health Program Wa ✓ Solved
2 Say Yes to Safe Sex Jonica Thompson Master of Public Health Program, Walden University PUBH-6128: Biological Foundation of Public Health Dr. Nikolas Tsatsos March 22, 2021 Key Points African American women are at higher risk, than any other race, of contracting with 87% attributed to heterosexual contact (Boekeloo, B. et al., 2015). Risk factors that contribute to the high rate of sexually transmitted diseases are multiple sexual partners, lack of condom use, and alcohol and drug use. In a study of patients seeking care at an adolescent clinic in Baltimore, 26% of young African American women aged 14-19 reported having multiple partners in the previous six months and 46% suspected their male partners ha concurrent partnerships (Walrop-Valverde et. al. ,2013).
Income status and age are also contributing risk factors for high-risk sexual behaviors amongst African American women. Lower income women may be more vulnerable to wanting to please sexual partners who offer some level of financial security, and this may lead to hesitancy around asserting the use of sexual protection (Boekeloo, B. et al., 2015). Younger African American women may be more susceptible sexual risk-taking due to experiencing more short-term relationships, under-developed decision-making skills, and susceptibility to social pressure due to lack of social support (Boekeloo, B. et al., 2015). What is the health-related consequences? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and can lead to its severe form of acquired immunodeficieny syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated.
The symptoms of HIV include flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection (acute form), fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers. HIV progresses through 3 stages if left untreated. Stage 1 is the acute HIV phase where there is a large amount of HIV in a person’s blood, making them highly contagious. Flu-like symptoms are experienced during this stage and some may not feel sick at all. HIV during this stage is diagnosed via an antigen/antibody test or nucleic acid tests (NATS).
Stage 2 is the chronic HIV phase and is also called the asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency. HIV is still active but reproduced at extremely low levels and symptoms or illness may not be apparent during this phase. The virus is still transmittable during this phase. If left untreated, the virus may last a decade or longer or progress quickly into stage 3. At the end of this phase, the viral load or the amount of HIV in the blood goes up and the CD4 cell count goes down progressing the person into stage 3.
Stage 3 is the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) phase and is the most severe. The immune system has become severely damaged, increasing the susceptibility of the infected person to opportunistic infections. The official diagnosis of AIDS occurs when the CD4 cell count drops below 200 cells/mm. Without treatment, the survival rate of people living with AIDS is about 3 years. Morbidity and Mortality In 2018, African American Women accounted for 58% of newly diagnosed HIV Infections and the highest rate of death from HIV at 16.3% Prevention methodology The only 100% effective way to avoiding any type of STDs and unwanted pregnancies is avoiding any vaginal, anal, or oral sexually activity (CDC).
Other methods would include consistently and correctly using condoms, reducing the numbers of sexual partners, reduce or eliminate drug and alcohol use, and talk to a healthcare provider about using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in preventing HIV infection. Interventional based methods such as a multi-session program Substance- Abuse and HIV Integrated Prevention Services (SHIPS) is an intervention specifically aimed at increasing the use of effective coping strategies to address social and environmental demands, and it also incorporates black cultural messaging to enhance learning (Boekeloo, B. et al., 2015). This program is integrated from two evidence-based programs listed on the National Registry of Evidence-based programs and practices (NREPP) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Coping with Work and Family Stress (CWFS) and Hip Hop 2 Prevent Abuse and HIV.
Coping with Work and Family Stress was designed for both women and men, aged 18 years and older, and from diverse educational, income, racial/ ethnic, and occupational backgrounds. This program has shown effectiveness in reducing perceived work and family stressors, increasing behaviors, and reducing avoidance coping strategies, increased perceived social support, and reducing alcohol and other drug use and psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints. Hip 2 prevent substance abuse and HIV provides prevention techniques that incorporate elements of popular culture to enhance their effectiveness at helping individuals choose healthy lifestyles and prevent substance abuse and HIV.
Final Thoughts In my opinion, modern culture norms have a great influence on the promiscuity behavior of African American women. The media highly sexual African American women and lack of support for showcasing stable long-term relationships in the African American community may be a contributing factor to the increased rise of unprotective sexual habits of African American women. Studies suggest that for more high-risk young African American Women, such as those with multiple sexual partners, interventions targeted to influence a broad range of behaviors including personal, relational, and cultural factors may be more effective than those focused exclusively on individual-level risk factors (Walrop-Valverde et. al. ,2013).
Findings from a study conducted by Walrop-Valverde et. al. indicated that multiple sexual partners amongst African American Women are more heavily influenced by romantic and sexual relationships than individual-level behaviors. The study also found that young African American women were more likely to engage in multiple sex partners if they perceived their current relationship committed potential was low and there was a greater chance of multiple sexual partnerships if the women were not invested in the future commitment of those relationships. Furthermore, I found that there is not enough research on the sexual health of African American women. This could indicate that there is a disproportionate interest in the healthy sexual behavior of African American women and that future research is needed to determine the most effective intervention method for this community.
Say Yes to Safe Sex Facts · African American women are at a higher risk than any other race at contracting HIV in the United States, with 87% attributed to heterosexual contact. · Risk factors associated with unhealthy sexual practice of African American women are: - multiple sexual partners - lack of condom use - alcohol and drug use - low income - young age Health Complications · HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and can lead to its severe form of acquired immunodeficieny syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated. · The symptoms of HIV include: - flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection - fever - chills - Rash Preventions · 100% effective results - NO vaginal sex - NO anal sex -NO oral sex · Consistently and correctly use condoms. · Reduce the numbers of sexual partners. · Pre-exposure prophylaxes (PrEP)or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicine References 1.
Boekeloo, B., Geiger, T., Wang, M., Ishman, N., Quinton, S., Allen, G., Ali, B., and Snow, D. (2015). Evaluation of a Socio-cultural Intervention to Reduce Unprotected Sex for HIV Among African American/ Black Women. AIDS Behav; 19: . 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2021) About HIV.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2020). Diagnosis of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2018. 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2021).
HIV/AIDS & STDs: Detailed Fact Sheet. 5. Walrop-Valverde, D., Davis, T., Sales, J., Rose, E., Wingood, G., Diclemente, R. (2013). Sexual Concurrency among Young African American Women. Psychol Health Med; 18 (6):
Paper for above instructions
Introduction
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly HIV, are significant public health concerns, especially among specific demographics. African American women, in particular, exhibit a disproportionately high prevalence of HIV infection, with 87% of cases attributed to heterosexual contact (Boekeloo et al., 2015). Factors contributing to this alarming trend include multiple sexual partnerships, inadequate use of protection, and socio-economic pressures arising from poverty, youth, and substance use (Walrop-Valverde et al., 2013). This paper aims to unpack the factors influencing sexual behaviors, the consequences of HIV on health, and the necessary interventions to promote safe sex practices.
Background
African American women are among the most affected groups in the U.S. regarding HIV infection. According to CDC data, they accounted for 58% of newly diagnosed infections in 2018 (CDC, 2021). Despite advancements in treatment and prevention technology, the mortality rate associated with HIV among this demographic remains significantly high at 16.3% (CDC, 2021). Understanding the socio-cultural backdrop surrounding sexual behavior in this community is crucial.
Contributing Factors to High-Risk Sexual Behavior
Risk factors contributing to higher rates of STIs and HIV among African American women are manifold. These include:
- Multiple Sexual Partners: A significant number of young African American women report having multiple sexual partners. Research shows that 26% of those aged 14-19 had multiple partners and 46% suspected that their male partners had concurrent partnerships (Walrop-Valverde et al., 2013). This scenario amplifies the potential for STI transmission.
- Substance Use: Alcohol and drug use may impair judgment, making young women less likely to insist on condom use. Studies show a strong correlation between substance use and risky sexual behavior (Boekeloo et al., 2015).
- Socio-economic Status: Lower-income women may feel pressured to engage in sexual activities that promise financial security. This economic vulnerability often leads to risky sexual behaviors due to the power dynamics present in relationships that emphasize financial dependency (Boekeloo et al., 2015).
- Age and Development: Younger women may have underdeveloped decision-making skills. They may also experience social peer pressure that influences their choices about sexual partnerships (Boekeloo et al., 2015). The ongoing search for approval and validation can often overshadow health considerations.
Health Consequences of HIV
HIV is not merely a physical disease; it carries considerable emotional and social ramifications. The progression of HIV, if left untreated, occurs in three stages: acute infection, chronic infection, and finally, AIDS. In the acute stage, a person may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever and fatigue, usually exacerbated by high viral loads (CDC, 2020). The chronic stage can last for years, often asymptomatic, but remains infectious. When the virus progresses to AIDS, it leads to potential life-threatening opportunistic infections and a significantly decreased survival rate without treatment (CDC, 2021).
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
The importance of prevention cannot be overstated in the ongoing struggle against HIV and STIs. The CDC asserts that the most effective way to prevent STIs is total abstinence from sexual activity. However, when abstinence is not a viable option, the following strategies are critical:
1. Correct and Consistent Condom Use: Condoms are effective in reducing the transmission of STIs, including HIV. Education around proper use is essential in encouraging safe practices (CDC, 2021).
2. Healthy Partner Selection: Encouraging women to limit their number of sexual partners can significantly reduce the risks associated with STIs (Walrop-Valverde et al., 2013).
3. PrEP and PEP: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) provide effective ways to prevent HIV infection before and after potential exposure, respectively (CDC, 2021). Education surrounding these preventive measures is essential for increased uptake.
4. Culturally Relevant Interventions: Programs like Substance Abuse and HIV Integrated Prevention Services (SHIPS) have shown that incorporating cultural messaging can empower African American women to engage in healthier lifestyles. Such interventions enhance awareness and coping strategies to manage personal, relational, and cultural factors influencing sexual health (Boekeloo et al., 2015).
5. Community Engagement: Tackling the stigma attached to discussing sexual health issues within the African American community is essential. Community leaders and organizations can act as trusted figures to deliver accurate information and support regarding safe sex practices (Walrop-Valverde et al., 2013).
Conclusion
Sexual health remains a pivotal yet often overlooked issue for African American women. Contentious social factors, including economic constraints, social pressures, and multiple partnerships, facilitate high-risk behavior leading to increased HIV prevalence. Prevention methods must focus on a multifaceted approach, encompassing educational initiatives, community outreach, and culturally tailored interventions. It is vital that the general public shows increased interest in this critical issue to drive research funding and produce further knowledge for effective, community-centered intervention strategies.
References
1. Boekeloo, B., Geiger, T., Wang, M., Ishman, N., Quinton, S., Allen, G., Ali, B., & Snow, D. (2015). Evaluation of a Socio-cultural Intervention to Reduce Unprotected Sex for HIV Among African American/ Black Women. AIDS Behav, 19.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). About HIV. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2020). Diagnosis of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/ataglance.html
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). HIV/AIDS & STDs: Detailed Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/default.htm
5. Walrop-Valverde, D., Davis, T., Sales, J., Rose, E., Wingood, G., & Diclemente, R. (2013). Sexual Concurrency among Young African American Women. Psychol Health Med, 18(6).