Discussion: Political, Social, And Sociocultural Influences

Discussion: Political, Social, and Sociocultural Influences on Women’s

Discussion: Political, Social, and Sociocultural Influences on Women’s Health

As an advanced practice nurse, you must remain current on health issues that commonly impact women such as birth control, abortion, family planning, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many of these women’s health issues are heavily influenced by political, social, and sociocultural factors. These influences might not only affect a woman’s ability or desire to receive care but also a provider’s ability or willingness to offer care. How might political, social, and sociocultural factors influence your personal perceptions of these women’s health issues?

To prepare: Review this week’s media presentation, as well as Chapter 1 of the Schuiling and Likis text.

Select and research one of the following women’s health issues: birth control, abortion, family planning, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in women, or another issue approved by the course Instructor. Consider the impact of political, social, and sociocultural factors on the women’s health issue you selected. Reflect on how the personal perceptions of providers might influence their ability or willingness to care for women in relation to this issue. By Day 3 Post an explanation of the women’s health issue you selected, including the impact of political, social, and sociocultural factors on this issue. Explain how personal perceptions of providers might influence their ability or willingness to care for women in relation to this issue.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected women’s health issue for this discussion is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in women, a critical global health concern affecting millions of women worldwide. Understanding the interplay of political, social, and sociocultural factors impacting HIV in women is essential for advanced practice nurses to deliver equitable and effective care. This paper explores these influences, their effects on women’s health outcomes, and how providers’ personal perceptions can shape their willingness and capacity to provide care.

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women constitute more than half of all people living with HIV globally (WHO, 2021). The burden of HIV in women is often compounded by social determinants such as gender inequality, poverty, stigma, and cultural norms that either hinder access to preventive measures and treatment or facilitate risky behaviors. Politically, policies surrounding HIV prevention, access to healthcare, and reproductive rights profoundly influence the availability and quality of care for women (UNAIDS, 2022). For instance, restrictive reproductive policies in some countries limit women’s ability to access contraception or HIV testing and treatment services, which exacerbates health disparities.

Sociocultural factors play a vital role in shaping perceptions and behaviors related to HIV among women. Cultural stigmas associated with HIV and sexuality can prevent women from seeking testing or openly discussing their health concerns. In many societies, gender norms empower men while subjugating women, resulting in limited negotiation power for safe sex practices and increased vulnerability to HIV infection. Additionally, religious beliefs may discourage certain health behaviors, such as condom use or abortion, further complicating prevention efforts (Parker & Aggleton, 2003). These cultural and societal norms often influence how women perceive their risk and their willingness to access healthcare services.

Providers’ personal perceptions can significantly impact their willingness to care for women with HIV. Healthcare providers influenced by stigma, cultural biases, or moral judgments may unconsciously or consciously deny services or provide substandard care to women they perceive negatively. Conversely, providers with greater cultural competency and awareness are better positioned to foster trusting relationships, encourage testing, and support women’s health decisions (Rasanayagam et al., 2018). Personal biases rooted in religious or moral beliefs may lead providers to refuse certain interventions, such as providing contraception or discussing safe sex practices, thereby hindering access to comprehensive HIV care.

In conclusion, political, social, and sociocultural factors substantially influence the landscape of HIV in women. Addressing these multifaceted barriers requires a nuanced understanding of each factor’s role and the development of culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions. Healthcare providers’ perceptions and attitudes are crucial; fostering self-awareness and cultural competence can improve care delivery and health outcomes for women living with or at risk for HIV. As advanced practice nurses, understanding these influences equips us to advocate for policies and practices that promote equitable, stigma-free care for all women.

References

• UNAIDS. (2022). Global HIV & AIDS statistics — 2022 fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet
• Parker, R., & Aggleton, P. (2003). HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: A conceptual framework and implications for action. Social Science & Medicine, 57(1), 13–24.
• Rasanayagam, J., Nair, Y., Dapaah, S., & Obeng, S. (2018). Cultural competence among healthcare providers: Improving HIV care for women. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 25(3), 96–101.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids