Ways of Addressing the Problem of HIV at the Population Level
Addressing the issue of high HIV rates among the gay population is not an easy matter. The challenges are presented by men’s unawareness of their infection, discrimination and stigma problem, and undiagnosed sexually transmitted diseases (CDC, 2016a). To solve the high HIV problem, it is necessary to overcome these difficulties. This can be done by spreading information through TV advertising, other media publishing, or leaflet sharing. It is a good idea to promote anonymous meetings and lectures where the men could get access to information about the danger of sexually transmitted diseases and the need to be checked regularly. National HIV/AIDS Awareness Days, introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are aimed at encouraging people’s willingness to talk openly about HIV with their families and partners (CDC, 2016a). To address the problem at a local level, health departments and community-based organizations develop and improve the existing programs concentrated on eliminating the spread of HIV among gay Afro-American men and other minorities. Both local and national organizations conduct regular surveys among the population group to find out how efficient the measures taken are and what changes are needed to solve the HIV problem.
Information Necessary for Determining Appropriate Interventions
To come up with relevant intervention for the current situation, it is essential to evaluate the statistical data regarding the population group. Thus, it is necessary to cooperate with health and community organizations to be aware of any tendencies and changes in the HIV rates among the population group. A holistic approach is crucial for such interventions as the gay population is affected by various factors (Haltikis, Wolitski, & Millett, 2013). HIV infection is closely connected to such social and health concerns as substance abused, discrimination, psychological disorders, poverty, and other complicated issues (Haltikis et al., 2013). Before choosing an intervention, it is necessary to take into consideration all these factors and include them in the program agenda.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support the local health departments’ activity aimed at anti-HIV intervention implementation. Sources are provided for creating intervention programs and strengthening the existing ones (CDC, 2016a). Additionally, health facilities are funded to promote the reduction of drug use and sexually transmitted illnesses.
Therefore, to determine relevant interventions, one should take into consideration all factors which might impact the population and promote the intervention’s success.
Community Segments Involved in Developing the Intervention
To successfully estimate and manage the problem of high HIV rates among gay men in the community, it is not enough to address only this population group. There are other vulnerable groups that might have the same problem, for instance, bisexual men and men who have sex with other men (MSM) (Haltikis et al., 2013). Additionally, it is necessary to involve family members of all populations in intervention measures. The more people are aware of the danger presented by HIV, the easier it will be to deal with it.
Bisexual men and MSM face not less risk of HIV than gay men. The situation is particularly dangerous among African Americans and other racial minorities (CDC, 2016b). According to the data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gay and bisexual men were responsible for nearly 92 percent of HIV cases in 2014 among all US males. Thus, it is crucial to address all community segments which may be directly impacted by HIV (gay, bisexual, and MSM) or which can help these people to overcome the disease (families).
References
CDC. (2016a). Highlighted CDC HIV prevention activities concerning HIV and African American gay and bisexual men. Web.
CDC. (2016b). HIV among gay and bisexual men. Web.
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.