Medical Care for a Lesbian Woman
A biophysical factor that is described in the situation with a 45-year-old woman determines her sexual relationship with women over the past few years, and she denies the need to get a pap smear. What concerns psychology, such a change in Betty’s sexual orientation can be caused by several divorces when she became disillusioned with men. As for a sociocultural factor, the desire of the woman to find a partner of her gender is her attempt to adapt to society and find an understanding companion. Behavioral changes that Betty experiences are due to the change of principles and the desire not to remain lonely. On the whole, she fundamentally altered her habits and sexual orientation under the influence of complicated relationships with men.
Practical assistance to women who are lesbians, bisexuals or transgenders, provides for comprehensive surveillance of the specialists of different profiles, including a venereologist. Betty’s complaints about a depressed state and her fear of a cancer diagnosis can have not only a psychological but also a physical basis. A dramatic change in lifestyle is one of the reasons why the woman feels embarrassed after an offer to get a pap smear. However, comprehensive care should include all procedures necessary for a thorough examination.
The role of the community health nurse in the case of Betty is quite essential since her tasks include not only providing the woman with necessary care but also psychological help. According to Johnson, Nemeth, Mueller, Eliason, and Stuart (2016), creating welcoming healthcare environments is required in such cases. Also, the patient’s embarrassment is not entirely justified since, despite the absence of male sexual partners, she may have some of the diseases that have progressed in her body for a long time. One of the critical tasks of a nurse is to prove Betty the need for a checkup to identify any abnormalities and diagnose possible breast cancer that frightens the woman so much.
The Problem of HIV among Gay Men
The problem of HIV infection at the gay population level can be partially solved through preventive work with such men of non-traditional sexual orientation. Educational activities aimed at educating people of this social group about the potential risk of infection can help reduce the overall number of patients. As Halkitis, Wolitski, and Millett (2013) note, this category of the population is prone to a dangerous disease most. For example, open seminars on the need to self-protect can make a significant contribution to reducing HIV among gay men.
Information about the lifestyle of infected people may be needed to determine appropriate interventions for the problem. Since the majority of patients are African American, it is necessary to trace the main factors that affect the increased risk of infection of this group. Also, a comparative analysis of the behavioral habits of gay men can provide more detailed information about which cases are the most dangerous and can lead to the development of HIV infection. It is equally important to conduct regular examinations to identify the disease at an early stage and timely to provide patients with proper medical care.
Other segments of the community that may be involved in developing planned interventions are physicians of the appropriate profile, as well as psychologists who can help infected men to cope with their fears and concerns and reduce the risk of depression. Also, a group of volunteers can be of considerable use in educating patients and involving them in the collaborative work to disseminate information about the potential danger of the disease. If all the specialists work jointly, there will be a chance to reduce the indicators of the infection and achieve positive results in fighting against HIV among gay men.
References
Halkitis, P. N., Wolitski, R. J., & Millett, G. A. (2013). A holistic approach to addressing HIV infection disparities in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. American Psychologist, 68(4), 261-273.
Johnson, M. J., Nemeth, L. S., Mueller, M., Eliason, M. J., & Stuart, G. W. (2016). Qualitative study of cervical cancer screening among lesbian and bisexual women and transgender men. Cancer nursing, 39(6), 455-463.