Addressing the Problem of HIV at the Population Level among Gay Men in a Local Community
Since there are noticeable disparities in the degree of HIV contraction among gay men belonging to different ethnicities, a detailed analysis of the factors to which the vulnerable groups are exposed must be due. It is assumed that the lack of awareness regarding the means of maintaining health and the available HIV prevention measures is the key factor in causing the problem of HIV development among gay community members. Thus, a program aimed at providing Caucasian, African American, and Latino men with crucial information about HIV will have to be designed.
Additional Information Required for Determining an Appropriate Intervention
While the data regarding the ethnic background of the target demographic is important to the development of an adequate intervention, other pieces of information are also required. For example, the socioeconomic issues faced by gay males in the selected community must also play an important. By defining the impact that economic factors have on access to health-related information, one will be able to create an appropriate health program (Eaton, Driffin, Bauermeister, Smith, & Conway-Washington, 2015). Furthermore, social issues such as the fear of being ostracized by the community require an elaborate approach. A nurse must encourage community members to support the vulnerable population; thus, the development of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression will be avoided successfully (Rhodes et al., 2017). In addition, a community nurse must provide all residents with information about HIV to subvert myths that have a detrimental effect on HIV patients’ social life.
Other Segments of Community to Involve in Developing the Intervention
In addition to encouraging all community residents to provide extensive support to patients with HIV, one will need to invite local organizations to participate in the program. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities that can be found in the identified area may offer extensive help for gay men. For instance, making tests for HIV available to all community members by reducing the price for respective services is an important step in handling the crisis.
References
Eaton, L. A., Driffin, D. D., Bauermeister, J., Smith, H., & Conway-Washington, C. (2015). Minimal awareness and stalled uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among at risk, HIV-negative, black men who have sex with men. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 29(8), 423-429. Web.
Rhodes, S. D., Alonzo, J., Mann, L., Song, E. Y., Tanner, A. E., Arellano, J. E.,… Painter, T. M. (2017). Small-group randomized controlled trial to increase condom use and HIV testing among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. American Journal of Public Health, 107(6), 969-976. Web.