Prevention of HIV among black African men under 30s in UK - Essay Example

Introduction Black Africans UK takes approximately of the entire population. Nevertheless, new HIV diagnoses shows that almost half is accounted by them. A number of factors hinder them from prevention and treatment. Notably, the health belief model is a crucial tool in assessing the motivations of behavior change among these men. As such, this paper focuses on HIV pandemic in reference to black Africans aged between 30-34 years in the UK. Aim/Objective The research establishes the importance of communication in the prevention of HIV in black men below thirty years of age in the UK.

Rationale This information is ideally directed to black African men between 30-34 years. The need for this awareness campaign is from the increased transmission of HIV among this population. To communicate effectively, Health promotion and communication theory is the most idea since besides passing the message, it gives the health advantages of the campaign, detailing the most preferred ways of prevention. Methods Analysis of the HIV trends among black men who are below the age of thirty years.

An extensive review of diversified and filtered literature sources occurred. Analysis of communication model used in promotion o f health inn different sectors Analysis of the AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM) Resource With the several proposed methods of HIV prevention, this research recommends use of condoms as the most preferred (Human Rights Watch) Channel The most preferred channel is in places where the population is high like shopping centers, churches, and tube stations. Message Spread of HIV is in the increase and the dangers are vast.

As such, if hard to abstain, use of condoms will help significantly. Evaluation Evaluation of the viability of the campaign will be conducted through questionnaire. Discussion The high rates of HIV among black men shows that they need to adopt behavior change in order to reduce the high risk of infection. The efficiency of campaigns on behavior change e among these individuals will depend on several factors. These factors are evident from the health belief model. Effective communication should target on ensuring that the target perceives the threat of HIV realistically.

This will involve an understanding that an individual is susceptible to the disease. In addition, these men should realize the severity of the disease. HIV management has severe consequences that include economical strains and social stigma. Black men realizing the severity of the matter are likely to conform to behavior change reducing their risk of infection. However, majority of the men in the group of men below thirty years perceive a very low risk of transmitting HIV and hinders preventing measures (Owuor, 2009).

In addition, it saves an individual from the management expenses. The perception of the barriers involved in attaining behavior change is critical in determining whether an individual can overcome the barriers and adopt a responsible sexual behavior. Some youth claim that barriers to behavior change involve the reduction of enjoy ability of sex. For majority of black men below the age of thirty, this is a limiting factor to consistent practice of protected sex. In addition, the societal view of condom use and the portrayal of enjoyment of sex without condoms in mass media hinder the target group from effective behavior change.

The commonness of HIV with this group is due to the increase of homosexuality. Most of the homosexuals have not adopted any behavior changes despite the high prevalence. The efficiency of prevention will be determined by individual’s commitment to adopt behavior change and sustain it. One of the behavior changes involves adopting consistent condom use. In addition, HIV testing together with partner before indulging in sex is an effective preventive measure (Owuor, 2009). However, other models present an additional barrier to adopting effective behavior changes.

This model suggests that some individuals feel that the behavior of their partners is way beyond their control. Conclusion It is essential to encourage behavior change among black men below thirty years. Each individual should focus on attaining the right perception of the real risks involved and his susceptibility. A commitment to behavior change will prevent an individual from relapsing into risky sexual behavior. Figure 1: Age diagnosis of HIV in the U.K by age Figure 2: Age diagnosis of HIV in the U.

K by ethnicity Conclusion It is essential to encourage behavior change among black men below thirty years. Each individual should focus on attaining the right perception of the real risks involved and his susceptibility. A commitment to behavior change will prevent an individual from relapsing into risky sexual behavior. References: Burns FM et al. 2009. United Kingdom acquisition of HIV infection in African residents in London: more than previously thought. AIDS 23(1), 262-6. Doyal, L. 2009.

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