Cultural framework Essay Example for Free

Cultural framework EssayAside from individual perceptions and re beginnings available to the individual and the union, interpositions aimed at trim and mitigating the spread of human immunodeficiency virus infections must take into account the existence of social support systems in the community and society where individuals are located. For 1, the availability of support either from friends, family, or community community influences an individuals decision to adopt or change his or her lifestyle to mirror the objectives of health promotion programs.At the same time, the behaviors and lifestyles of an individuals friends, family, or community itself whitethorn be promoting values and norms that contribute to HIV risk instruments. The experiences of the HIV Prevention Planning Council of the San Francisco health Department (2004) point to the presence of three invalidating influences that prevent HIV- affected individuals from seeking counselling and treatment and at the sa me time facilitate the keep transmission of the disease to the general populace.The first among these factors is the prevalence of drug use (p. 14), which promotes both the acceptableness of kernel abuse as a form of recreation and risky sexual behavior. These values are in particular dominant among San Franciscos gay communities, whose population unsurprisingly get under ones skin the biggest number of HIV infections. A second factor is San Franciscos well-favored culture (p. 13), which means that society may be more permissive of and may condone risky sexual behavior that would be deemed unacceptable in other places.The growing acceptableness of risky sexual behavior and the decreasing popularity of condom use becomes a motivation for individuals to engage in activities that expose them to possible HIV infection. Moreover, the liberal culture within San Franciscos communities may be reinforcing the acceptability of drug use, especially among poorer neighborhoods. Zierler an d Krieger (1997, p. 405) note that poor communities may find substance abuse appealing, or at least find it inoffensive, since it serves both as a source of livelihood and as a source of recreation and stimulation.On the other hand, the ironic existence of racist and discriminatory attitudes within liberal San Francisco (San Francisco Health Department, 2004, p. 8) may discourage people of color, gay, and male-to-female transgendered individuals from seeking help when they become give by HIV cod to the fear that they will be doubly stigmatized by carrying the disease. Although San Franciscos liberal values and attitudes may have blackball effects on efforts to curb the HIV epidemic, these same values also provide a positive influence in combatting HIV.For one, San Franciscos progressive thinking and liberal policies (San Francisco Health Department, 2004, p. 13) also enables individuals infected with HIV to easily gain the support of their friends, families, and communities, whic h could provide enough encouragement for them to adopt healthier lifestyles. San Franciscos openness and diversity also allow individuals to create and live their own lifestyles with minimal pressure to correct to dominant beliefs and values which could help individuals avoid popular but negative influences on lifestyle choices.Likewise, the liberal culture within many communities enables individuals to seek support from peers such as the gay community when ones own family displays reluctance to provide support to the individual affected by HIV. Clearly, HIV intervention programs could utilize the existence of positive social support structures in a society in guild to successfully combat HIV.At the same time, these programs must be able to address and mitigate the negative influence of an individuals social support network, including the values and attitudes of friends or family members which discourage an individual from ever-changing his or her lifestyle to reduce HIV risk and exposure. Works Cited San Francisco Department of Public Health. (2004). 2004 San Francisco HIV legal profession plan. Retrieved February 5, 2009, from http//sfhiv. org/documents/Complete2004SanFranciscoHIVPreventionPlan. pdf Zierler, S. Krieger, (1997). Reframing womens risk social inequalities and HIV infection. Annual Review of Public Health 1840136.