...The Role of Social Support in Coping with HIV/AIDS The topic of HIV/AIDS is particularly relevant in a South African context due to the rate of infection in this country, as well as the government’s stance on HIV/AIDS policy. South has Africa has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world. The Mbeki regime’s policy has only recently been changed to increase the availability of antiretrovirals to those infected. While these antiretrovirals may be used to treat the virus itself, they are ineffective in dealing with the stressors associated with the virus. Indeed, it can be argued that environmental factors, specifically social support, have the greatest positive influence in this regard. This essay will consider whether this is the case by examining the role of social support in dealing with the HIV/AIDS diagnosis, related health decline and infections and the prejudice and stigma attached to said diagnosis. In order to do this, one must first examine the definition of social support. Thoits (1995) as cited in Mizuno, Purcell, Dawson-Rose, Parsons & The Sudis Team (2003 p.690) defines social support as “instrumental, emotional or informational assistance from significant others” and goes on to find social support “one of the major coping resources for people experiencing stressful life events or chronic strains.” “Significant others” is generally understood to mean partners, friends and family, but could also refer to traditional caregivers in a hospital environment. Friedland...
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...Social Anthropology Observations Chesney Ward- Smith Site D, Leslie Social Basic setting from the top stairs looking down- to my direct left there is a large tree as well as a parking lot which is semi- full. Further down on my left is a large concrete, grey building known as the Geographical Sciences building. It has about ten stories. This building is covered with ivy which has variants of greens, browns and reds in contrast with the grey concrete. In front of me are also four different coloured bins for recycling. They are red, blue, green and yellow. To my right is another concrete building, known as the Leslie Social building. It has five stories. There are glass doors which make it accessible from the side. To my immediate right, there is a small, round, little hut which is a cafe known as Bananazen. On the outside of it there are various pictures of fresh fruit. There are also many green, six- seater tables outside of the cafe which are covered by large white umbrellas. Looking straight ahead and down there are multiple levels of grey concrete stairs leading down to the avenue. There are also more tables. Overhead there are many concrete beams connecting the two buildings. They are literally joined together. These are very angular and run diagonally across the buildings. Observing with all my senses in detail Sight- This is a place of passing by and much human traffic in between lectures. During these times there are lines of people walking hurriedly to and from...
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...THE CHORES TIME-TABLE CHORES TIMES MONDAY TUESDAY WENSDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 5:45 MOM-takes out dust bin MOM-takes out dust bin MOM-takes out dust bin MOM-takes out dust bin MOM-takes out dust bin MOM-takes out dust bin MOM-takes out dust bin 6:00-6:30 Mom wakes everyone up and makes cereal Mom wakes everyone up and makes cereal Mom wakes everyone up and makes cereal Mom wakes everyone up and makes cereal Mom wakes everyone up and makes cereal Mom wakes everyone up and makes cereal Mom wakes everyone up and makes cereal 7:00-7:30 Zolisa waters the garden Zolisa waters the garden Zolisa waters the garden Zolisa waters the garden Zolisa waters the garden Zolisa waters the garden Zolisa waters the garden 8:00-10:00 Nozodwa sweeps, mops and cleans bathroom Nozodwa sweeps, mops and cleans bathroom Nozodwa sweeps, mops and cleans bathroom Xolisa-sweeps, mops and cleans bathroom Nozodwa sweeps, mops and cleans bathroom Mawande-sweeps, mops and cleans bathroom Nozodwa sweeps, mops and cleans bathroom 13:00-14:00 Each individual makes own breakfast Each individual makes own breakfast Each individual makes own breakfast Each individual makes own breakfast Each individual makes own breakfast Each individual makes own breakfast Each individual makes own breakfast 15:00-16:30 Mawande-Preparing supper Xolisa-Preparing supper Mawande-Preparing supper Mawande-Preparing supper Xolisa-Preparing supper Mom-Preparing supper Mom-Preparing supper 17:30-18:00 Zolisa...
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...The Role of Social Support in Coping with HIV/AIDS The topic of HIV/AIDS is particularly relevant in a South African context due to the rate of infection in this country, as well as the government’s stance on HIV/AIDS policy. South has Africa has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world. The Mbeki regime’s policy has only recently been changed to increase the availability of antiretrovirals to those infected. While these antiretrovirals may be used to treat the virus itself, they are ineffective in dealing with the stressors associated with the virus. Indeed, it can be argued that environmental factors, specifically social support, have the greatest positive influence in this regard. This essay will consider whether this is the case by examining the role of social support in dealing with the HIV/AIDS diagnosis, related health decline and infections and the prejudice and stigma attached to said diagnosis. In order to do this, one must first examine the definition of social support. Thoits (1995) as cited in Mizuno, Purcell, Dawson-Rose, Parsons & The Sudis Team (2003 p.690) defines social support as “instrumental, emotional or informational assistance from significant others” and goes on to find social support “one of the major coping resources for people experiencing stressful life events or chronic strains.” “Significant others” is generally understood to mean partners, friends and family, but could also refer to traditional caregivers in a hospital environment. Friedland...
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...Influence of Social Factors on the Course of HIV/AIDS An estimated 34.2 million people are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide (http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/statistics.html). Currently there is no cure for HIV or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS); however, a combination of medication and good mental health may treat the disease (http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/hivaids/understanding/treatment/pages/default.aspx; http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/staying-healthy-with-hiv-aids/taking-care-of-yourself/mental-health/). Most of the individuals who are infected with HIV/AIDS experience depression and an increase in life stressors. However, positive social support and disclosure of HIV/AIDS status decreases stress, leading to better mental health (Hays, Turner, & Coates, 1992; Turner-Cobb et al., 2002). The major at-risk groups for HIV/AIDS are adolescents, gays, bisexuals, injected drug users, and minority women (Taylor & Sirois, 2011). In this paper, the influence of social factors on the course of HIV/AIDS is investigated. It is hypothesized that the influence of social support, such as emotional (receiving emotional comfort), informational (receiving information or advice on personal issues), and practical (counting on others for help) on mental health will mitigate the course and experience of HIV. Five empirical studies are explored in an attempt to demonstrate and support the hypothesis. In a research article by Hay, Turner and...
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...HIV/AIDS Affect on the African American Community Nicole Donald Capella University HIV/AIDS Affect on the African American Community HIV/AIDS is prevalent in the African American community. African Americans are among the highest risk group for contracting HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS has been an issue in the African-American community for a number of years. This learner will provide a general overview on the ethnic population under study but will have a particular focus on black heterosexual men for the purpose contributing to the much lacking knowledge base on this particular population subset. Problem Statement The topic of HIV/AIDS is relevant to mental health counseling because this disease can have a devastating effect on the psyche of any human being suffering with this illness. Many minority teens and adults have a passive attitude when it comes to HIV/AIDS, and when confronted with the issue, they need to have access to the proper channels for information and support. Over 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV infection, and approximately 56,000 new HIV infections are reported every year in the United States alone (Kamen, et al., 2012). Black heterosexual men (BHM) are seldom mentioned in HIV prevention research, policy, and interventions, despite evidence that heterosexual contact is becoming the leading exposure category for BHM (Bowleg & Raj, 2012). It is important to identify the risk factors and treatments available for African Americans with HIV/AIDS...
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... The Role of Families in Preventing and Adapting to HIV/AIDS Issues and Answers Willo Pequegnat National Institute of Mental Health José Szapocznik University of Miami A lthough the role of families in caring for its sick members is as old as hu mankind, only and health professionals,in recent years have researchers, family practitioners recognized the important role of the family in disease pre vention and health promotion (Anderson & Bury, 1988 ; Cohen & Wills, 1985; Kazak, 1989) . With enhanced treatments, HIV infection is now becoming a long-term chronic illness affecting hundreds of thousands of families . As a seri ous chronic illness, HIV infection is creating pressure o n health care and social and mental health service providers to design comprehensive systems for fami lies . For each of the more than 688,200 persons in the United States with AIDS, there are parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and friends and partners in the fam ily constellation who are affected (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 1998b) . The family is de facto and often de jure caretakers when one of its members is ill or in trouble (Pequegnat & Bray, 1997). AUTHORS' NOTE: The second author was partially supported in writing this chapter by NIMH Grant R37 MH55796 . Requests for further information on this chapter should be sent to Dr. Willo Pequegnat, Associate Director, Primary Prevention, Translational, and International Research, Center for Mental Health...
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...Risk Factors of Cancer and HIV/AIDS Michaila Shaak Psych 627 05/11/2015 Professor Rebecca Gazda Risk Factors of Cancer and HIV/AIDS Cancer and HIV/AIDS are both deadly diseases which causes the body to turn against itself making normal functioning a danger (Straub, 2012). Cells of the body are intended to divide and replenish, but when abnormal cells do this, they become malignant tumors which spread throughout the body (Straub, 2012). Though some cancers can be caused by lifestyle choices and others have a stronger genetic component, none discriminates. Cancer can affect every gender, age, culture and ethnicity (Straub, 2012). Though HIV/AIDS can also be found throughout the population, the way that it is acquired is much different than cancer which cannot be passed from person to person (Straub, 2012). The paper will cover the immune surveillance model of cancer in psychoneuroimmunology and address how it compares to the biphasic model. We will also explore the effects of psychosocial factors on cancer and HIV/AIDS, specifically strategies for coping and stress management in cancer patients as well as the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS. According to Straub (2012), cancers can be divided into four types. The first and most common of these are carcinomas, which make up about 85 percent of all cancer that is diagnosed in adults (Straub, 2012). This type of cancer attack epithelial cells or the inner and outer surfaces of the body including the major organs and the skin...
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...agency, the HIV/AIDS community, common clinical issues, and how services are funded. In this interview process, I found Ms. Meissner to be very professional, informational, and passionate about her line of work. It was very clear that this was not simply a job to her and she was very passionate about the HIV/AIDS population she advocates for. The following is an outline of the questions asked and her responses. Minnesota AIDS Project Interview Jacquie Meissner is the case management supervisor for the Minnesota AIDS Project in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The following are the questions asked throughout the interview: 1. What is your role within the agency? 2. How was a need for the program determined? 3. What services does your company provide? 4. How did they determine a need for the program? 5. What type of consumers does your company service? 6. What is the mission statement of your agency? 7. What other agencies if any are you affiliated with or collaborate with? 8. What type of impact do the outcomes achieved have on your community and how is the effectiveness measured? 9. What are the most common clinical issues? 10. What services do you think should be added? 11. What other models and theories are represented in the programs? 12. How does this type of work influence your life? The Minnesota AIDS Project The need for HIV awareness and support is greatly needed as nationally, someone is diagnosed with HIV every 30...
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...syphilis can be difficult to recognise. A simple blood test can usually be used to diagnose syphilis at any stage. It can be treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin injections. When syphilis is treated properly, the later stages can be prevented. Read more about syphilis. HIV HIV is most commonly passed on through unprotected sex. It can also be transmitted by coming into contact with infected blood - for example, sharing needles to inject steroids or drugs. The HIV virus attacks and weakens the immune system, making it less able to fight infections and disease. There's no cure for HIV but there are treatments that allow most people to live a long and otherwise healthy life. AIDs is the final stage of an HIV infection, when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections. Most people with HIV will look and feel healthy and have no symptoms. When you first develop HIV you may experience a flu-like illness with a fever, sore throat or rash. This is called a seroconversion illness. A simple blood test is usually used to test for an HIV infection. Some clinics may also offer a rapid test using a finger prick blood test or saliva sample. Read more about HIV and AIDS and coping with a positive HIV test. Trichomonas vaginalis Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is an STI caused by a tiny parasite. It can be easily passed on through sex and most people are unaware they are infected. In women, TV can cause a frothy yellow or watery vaginal discharge which has an unpleasant smell,...
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...with chronic disease HIV is a 58 years old female that due to an emergency surgery performed in 2001 was diagnosed with the disease. In 1992 the patient was undergoing a DNC to terminated an unplanned pregnancy, there was some bleeding involved in the procedure for what she needed some replacement products, two units of RBC were administered, blood was contaminated and patient came into contact with the virus. Patient is a widow with three adult children and work as a secretary in a law firm. Patient not sexually active, her husband passed away 15 years ago, is not overweight, is careful with her diet, was smoker but quit 30 years ago, do not drink alcohol. HIV According to Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (2011) “ estimates that approximately 50, 000 people in the United States are newly infected with HIV each year. Black/ African men and women were highly affected and were estimated to have HIV incidence rate almost 8 times as high as the incidence rate among whites. At the end 0f 2010, an estimated 872,990 persons in the United States were living with diagnosed HIV. It includes persons with diagnosis regardless of the stage of disease at diagnosis. DCD collect HIV and AIDS data using six common transmissions categories: male-to-male sexual contact, injection drug use, male-to-male sexual contact and injection drug use, heterosexual contact, mother-to-child (perinatal) transmission, and other (includes blood transfusions and unknown cause). HIV is most commonly diagnosed...
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...woman can become infected if she has unprotected penetrative sex vaginal or anal, with a man who has HIV. A woman having vaginal sex with a man who has HIV is 2-3 times more likely to become infected than a man would be if he had vaginal sex with an infected woman (HIV and AIDS). AIDS is also spread though sharing contaminated needles for IV drug use, transfusions of blood or blood products from a person with AIDS and children born to an infected mother. Many women in the U.S. have poor access to health care. In addition, women may not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV infection. Because of this, symptoms that serve as a warning sign of HIV infection may go unheeded (Women and AIDS). Early diagnosis of HIV infection allows women to take full advantage of drug therapies for opportunistic infections, which can forestall the development of AIDS related symptoms and prolong life in HIV-infected people. (Women and AIDS) There are different theories as to the origin of AIDS. AIDS was identified as a new disease in 1981 (Sowadsky). HIV is believed to have originated in Africa sometime between the late 1940s and the early 1950s from the monkey AIDS virus SIV, (Simian Immudificiency virus) (Sowadsky). The two viruses are very similar and are transmitted the same way. However HIV only causes AIDS in humans, and SIV only causes AIDS in monkeys. The SIV virus is found in blood. HIV must have entered humans via monkey blood. This could’ve happened by humans drinking monkey blood,...
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...national and, eventually, worldwide attention due to his infection with HIV. It has been speculated that the reason Ryan got so much attention was that he was a heterosexual white middle class boy who was not part of any of the regular minority groups stigmatized by the disease. I believe that he deserves a holiday because a lot of people are affected by HIV/AIDS today and are discriminated because of it. Ryan was also expelled from middle school because of his infection. With Ryan’s disease, him and his mother courageously fought AIDS-related discrimination and helped educate the Nation about his disease. They fought for his right to attend school, gaining international attention as a voice of reason about HIV/AIDS. Congress passed the AIDS bill that bears his name – the Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act. The legislation has been reauthorized four times since he died in 1990 – in 1996, 2000, 2006, and 2009 – and is now called the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. He influenced change by fighting for HIV/AIDS discrimination. People today who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS have the support that they need and will not be discriminated due to the Ryan White Program which works with cities, states, and local community-based organization to provide HIV-related services. The program is for those who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources for coping with HIV disease. The Ryan White Care Act; now provides more than $2 billion each...
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...The impact of HIV & AIDS in Africa Two-thirds of all people infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, although this region contains little more than 10% of the world’s population.1 AIDS has caused immense human suffering in the continent. The most obvious effect of this crisis has been illness and death, but the impact of the epidemic has certainly not been confined to the health sector; households, schools, workplaces and economies have also been badly affected. During 2008 alone, an estimated 1.4 million adults and children died as a result of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.2 Since the beginning of the epidemic more than 15 million Africans have died from AIDS.3 Although access to antiretroviral treatment is starting to lessen the toll of AIDS, fewer than half of Africans who need treatment are receiving it.4 The impact of AIDS will remain severe for many years to come. The impact on the health sector In all heavily affected countries the AIDS epidemic is adding additional pressure on the health sector. As the epidemic matures, the demand for care for those living with HIV rises, as does the toll of AIDS on health workers. In sub-Saharan Africa, the direct medical costs of AIDS (excluding antiretroviral therapy) have been estimated at about US$30 per year for every person infected, at a time when overall public health spending is less than US$10 per year for most African countries.5 The effect on hospitals [pic] Nurses working on the HIV ward at Kisiizi Hospital in Uganda ...
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...Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 23, No. 6, 2004, pp. 747-767 REASONS FOR HIV DISCLOSURE DERLEGA ET AL. REASONS FOR HIV DISCLOSURE/NONDISCLOSURE IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS: TESTING A MODEL OF HIV–DISCLOSURE DECISION MAKING VALERIAN J. DERLEGA AND BARBARA A. WINSTEAD Old Dominion University KATHRYN GREENE Rutgers University JULIANNE SEROVICH Ohio State University WILLIAM N. ELWOOD Center for Public Health and Evaluation Research This research examined the relative importance of reasons for HIV disclosure/nondisclosure with a friend, intimate partner, and parents. Participants were 145 men and women with HIV. Overall, catharsis, a will to duty/educate, and having a close/supportive relationship were endorsed as reasons that influence HIV disclosure. Privacy, self–blame, fear of rejection, and protecting the other were endorsed as reasons that influence nondisclosure. Both men and women endorsed testing the other’s reaction as a reason for disclosing more for an intimate partner, whereas they endorsed privacy more as a reason for not disclosing to a friend. Men (mostly self–identified as homosexuals or bisexuals), but not women (mostly self–identified as heterosexuals), endorsed similarity as a reason for disclosing more to a friend or intimate partner than to a parent. The results are consistent with a Model of HIV–Disclosure Decision Making that indicates how cultural attitudes This research is partly supported by a research grant (#R01DA13145–01A1) from the...
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