How Culture Affects the Spread Of HIV In the United States Essay

How Culture Affects the Spread Of HIV In the United States - Essay Example It is estimated that over 1 million individuals are living with the virus; despite the aggressive prevention and education efforts that are underway to try and curb the spread of this virus. The socio-cultural norms that surround most communities need to be addressed so as to ensure that every individual is well-versed on the issue (Organista 43). This paper will examine the extent to which culture is affecting the spread of this virus, and what is being done to ensure that its spread is curbed before it is too late for all those affected or infected. Issue of concern There is a saying that arises whenever there is the mention of the HIV virus that goes; one is either infected or affected by this strain of infection. It is true to assume that one can be close to someone that has acquired the virus, or one could also be a victim. Among the Latino and African American communities, the spread of the virus is said to be higher than that experienced in other communities in the U.S. This i s especially among the young people who are constantly engaging in risky sexual activities (Organista 52). The unawareness of their status could be one of the main reasons why the spread is much higher in these communities. The spread of this virus is on the rise due to a range of factors, for example; denial, lack of proper medical care, poverty, and even stigma. All these are factors that restrict the prevention efforts aimed at addressing the scourge. Culture, in most ethnic minority groups, plays a major role in the response of the HIV strain among individuals. The diversity that most people of ethnic groups exhibit makes it harder for prevention efforts to have a foothold in most ethnic communities (Dayer-Berenson 76). It is this diversity that makes them engage in behavioral risk factors that differ, hence; increasing the possibility of acquiring the virus. The attitude behind sex and sexual activity among ethnic minority groups is probably one of the main reasons that may lea d to the progression of the virus. The concept surrounding sex and traditional roles in these communities makes the prevention of HIV a complicated topic in countless households. Factors of the problem The problem involved with culture is the fact that people are afraid of talking about sex. This is with either their partners, families, or even their children. In many cases, it is considered as being embarrassing to all the parties involved. This makes it harder for young men and women to understand the importance of communication when it comes to sexual activity with their partners as they grow up, which only works to increase the prevalence rate among these communities (Ray 118). In some instances, the perception that a ‘good’ woman is not supposed to know about sex is the essence that surrounds most homes. Women are, therefore, reduced to remaining ignorant when it comes to sex and their sexuality, which increases the dangers that this virus plays in their lives. Cul ture also plays a vital role in the traditional roles of gender in the U.S. In some minority ethnic groups, for example; the Latino, the men are supposed to be highly sexual individuals. To most of them, abstaining from engaging in sexual activity is an impossible task, and according to some, may even be unhealthy. Such attitudes lead to double standards among these groups, which then allow men to stray from their marriages. In other instances, the role of the man is

Good Qualities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Good Qualities - Essay Example The article has also been published in PubMed ID 17686985. It was later published on 8th august 2007. Thus, making it a suitable and genuine source since it has been reviewed by the publication PubMed journals to ascertain credibility. Lastly, before it was published, the article was received in the PNAS for review on the 30th of April 2007 and approved on the first of May 2007. It stands out as a reliable and standard source in the area of study after the online publishing and printing. The author’s thesis statement states that the economic point is vital in the early years of children and shapes their adulthood outcomes. The publication was published online on May 2007, despite the fact the paper was published in the year 2007, it tackles current issues affecting the health sector currently. At the same time, the article seeks to provide solutions to the issues being studied. For instance, after the comprehensive study aiming at understanding the human inequalities in health the article, seeks to instigate the process of policy formulation which is aimed at reducing these inequalities. The policy formulation process, is driven by the findings made on the origin of the differences. The policy should focus mostly on prevention of the differences and ensuring that there are minimal inequalities developed among people as they develop (Heckman, 1). The issues are still a thorn in the health sector, hence it is still relevant in the health care industry to date. People in different socioeconomic classes are developing different diseases today. At the same time, people in this different socioeconomic cla sses, have different behaviors while seeking medical care (Heckman, 1). Thus formulating policies to curb the differences will be beneficial to the health sector. Some of the issues noted among diverse people include compliance with medications, people from a higher socioeconomic class, tend to pay more attention to medical advice as oppose to