For this discussion, I chose to analyze the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States and India. Communities in both countries have been severely affected by it during the past few decades, and many interventions have been implemented in attempts to reduce its occurrence. As the virus continues to spread, it is vital to analyze what health threats contribute to its existence. The primarily affected demographic group has been largely ignored by the governments, while policies shaped a negative view on those who are infected with HIV (Joshi & Mehendale, 2019; Valdiserri & Holtgrave, 2019). Currently, HIV status is considered to be a stigma, which leads to the decreased willingness for people to take the test (ANA Policy and Government Affairs, 2019). The lack of awareness about the issue and its consequences for one’s health is also detrimental for both countries.
Nursing associations in both countries must promote governmental policies that help those communities who are affected the most. For a nurse, the primary way to prevent HIV is to spread knowledge about condom use (Joshi & Mehendale, 2019). Nurses must be able to suggest further treatment steps for a person who has HIV with community-specific constraints in mind (Valdiserri & Holtgrave, 2019). It is also beneficial to explain the ways this disease can be transmitted from one person to another in accordance with the most recent research to prevent any misconceptions.
I find the following questions to be crucial to consider as a nurse prior to making any recommendations for the target population:
- What interventions other than raising awareness regarding the issue were implemented?
- What are the attitudes in the affected communities towards unprotected sex?
- How do local hospitals work with governments to address the issue?
References
ANA Policy and Government Affairs. (2019). Prevention and care for HIV and related conditions. American Nurses Association.
Joshi, R. K., & Mehendale, S. M. (2019). Determinants of consistently high HIV prevalence in Indian districts: A multi-level analysis. PLOS ONE, 14(5), e0216321.
Valdiserri, R. O., & Holtgrave, D. R. (2019). Ending HIV in America: Not without the power of community. AIDS and Behavior, 23(11), 2899-2903.