Abstract
In this paper, the author analyzed irrelevant and biased messages in the society and how they impact on public health. A detailed analysis of the influence of these messages on public health campaigns is provided. In addition, the author explored the suitability of communication and language in relation to the welfare of members of the community. A cultural community is made up of people from different walks of life. The individuals differ in terms of language, income, education, and access to medical care. The members of such communities have similar life experiences. However, their health may be compromised due to the prevailing differences.
Most African Americans and Latinos have access to poor quality health services compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Communication plays an important role in decision making and management of healthy behavior patterns. Governments and other agencies have made efforts to address these disparities. In light of this, the current research paper analyzed an effective public health campaign touching on STDs among teenagers.
Analysis of the Media Messages
The analysis of the media images provided insights into the role played by communication as far as the implementation of Medicare is concerned. The communication process determines the satisfaction derived by both physicians and patients from the medical plan. The ongoing research in communication started in the mid 1960s. Clear communication, which is both culturally and linguistically competent, is required to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of patients in healthcare management. Information exchange is affected by racial uniformity, levels of education, the age of the patient, and use of technical language in the interaction between patient and doctor (Len-Rios, 2009).
One of the most effective strategies that can be used to design health campaigns entails coming up with core values. If the values are adhered to, then the entire communication process becomes effective. Some of the most common core values include independence, autonomy, acceptance, fairness, rights, and control. Coming up with a solid communication strategy is crucial to the formulation of messages and definition of social change (Resnick & Siegel, 2013).
Application of the Information Gained to a Public Health Campaign Targeting STDs among the Youth
Objectives set in the public health sector can only be achieved if a proper communication strategy is put in place. Messages should be passed on to the youth to fight stigmatization (Romer et al., 2009). For example, when this group lacks awareness, the individuals engage in risky sexual behavior. As a result, their vulnerability in relation to STDs is heightened (Rogers & Farkas, 2009). The information should be presented in an accurate, fair, and competent manner to avoid misrepresentation. According to Roper, Peterson, and Curran (1993), campaign to curb the spread of STDs and HIV should be carried out by both private and public agencies. It is noted that the youth are unable or unwilling to access health services on a regular basis (Bauer & Wayne, 2005). As a result, it is important to take the services closer to them through public health campaigns. For example, health programs should be initiated at schools (Roper et al., 1993). The services in this case include diagnosis and treatment of STDs.
Conclusion
A critical analysis of the media images reveals that there is need to enhance communication between doctors and patients. The flow of information promotes effective management of health services (Galanti, 1997). The messages used in the public health campaign should be culturally relevant and balanced to enhance the satisfaction of both patients and physicians. The health information should be marketed to the right individuals using the most accurate language (Galanti, 1997). For example, when encouraging the youth to use the condoms, public health officials should use the language that is easily understood by this group.
References
Bauer, G., & Wayne, L. (2005). Cultural sensitivity and research involving sexual minorities. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 37(1), 27-37.
Galanti, G. (1997). Caring for patients from different cultures. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Len-Rios, M. (2009). Communication strategies for reducing racial and cultural disparities. In J. Parker & E. Thorson (Eds.), Health communication in the new media landscape (pp. 41-58). New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Resnick, E., & Siegel, M. (2012). Marketing public health: Strategies to promote social change (3rd ed). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
Rogers, E., & Farkas, M. (2009). Making the grade: Identification of evidence-based communication messages. In J. Parker & E. Thorson (Eds.), Health communication in the new media landscape (pp. 325-340). New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Romer, D., Sznitman, S., DiClemente, R., Salazar, L., Vanable, P., Carey, M.,…Juzang, I. (2009). Mass media as an HIV-prevention strategy: Using culturally sensitive messages to reduce HIV-associated sexual behavior of at-risk African American youth. American Journal of Public Health, 99(12), 2150-2159.
Roper, W., Peterson, H., & Curran, J. (1993). Commentary: HIV/ AIDS prevention- clarifying the message. The American Journal of Public Health, 83(4), 501-503.