Module 1: What Is HIV Test Counseling? Why Is It Important?
Module 1: What Is HIV Test Counseling? Why Is It Important? Screen 10 of 12
Who Is Most at Risk in California?
As you can see, which communities are most affected by HIV is closely tied to the social inequalities in our society: people of color, immigrants, women, gay men, and youth are at highest risk. The reasons are enormously complex. Here are a few examples:
Of course, HIV test counseling, no matter how skillful, cannot solve these problems. But being sensitive to the context of your clients’ lives, listening empathetically to their experiences, and being aware of the ways we all tend to label or stereotype people can make a big difference. Every site and community is unique, so one thing you will want to do as you prepare to become an HIV test counselor is learn as much as you can about the people in the community you will be serving who are most likely to be at risk for contracting HIV.
Ask yourself: What are two links between HIV and social inequalities?
If you’re not sure, reread this screen.
Who Is Most at Risk in California?
- 76 percent of those who are HIV-positive are men who have sex with men (MSM)
- 28 percent are between 20 and 29 years old; 68 percent are under 40
- 20 percent are African American (7 percent of Californians are African American)
- 28 percent are Latino (36 percent of Californians are Latino)
- Women are the fastest growing demographic for HIV
As you can see, which communities are most affected by HIV is closely tied to the social inequalities in our society: people of color, immigrants, women, gay men, and youth are at highest risk. The reasons are enormously complex. Here are a few examples:
Unequal access to health care limits the likelihood that people will seek care. This includes lack of medical insurance, distance to clinics, atmosphere of clinics, and attitudes of clinic staff and health professionals.- Medication trials and studies that focus on the “general population” often do not include adequate representation of these communities and populations.
- Language and attitudes can make people feel judged, unwelcome, and reluctant to seek out preventive health care. Terms that label people rather than opening up a discussion about behavior include: “inmates,” “ex-cons,” “prostitutes,” and “on the down-low.”
- Current laws result in long prison sentences for drug use and disproportionate sentences for crack use vs. cocaine use. Incarceration for nonviolent crimes affects not only the incarcerated person but also children, extended family, and community.
Of course, HIV test counseling, no matter how skillful, cannot solve these problems. But being sensitive to the context of your clients’ lives, listening empathetically to their experiences, and being aware of the ways we all tend to label or stereotype people can make a big difference. Every site and community is unique, so one thing you will want to do as you prepare to become an HIV test counselor is learn as much as you can about the people in the community you will be serving who are most likely to be at risk for contracting HIV.
Ask yourself: What are two links between HIV and social inequalities?
If you’re not sure, reread this screen.