Visit The Resources For Writers In The Module Or By Clicking
Visit The resources For Writers in The Module Or By Clicking The Link I
Visit the Resources for Writers in the Module or by clicking the link. I think it's neat that the CDC has a resource for writers to use when creating a script around a health issue. What I want you to do is find a health issue from a TV show or movie that is INACCURATELY depicted and correct it. You will describe the depiction (symptoms, treatments, spread, etc.) and discuss the inaccuracies portrayed. Next, discuss the audience this show is targeted towards and the importance of proper health communication messaging. Why does it matter if this show/movie accurately depicts this health issue? Does the inaccurate content develop stigmas associated with the health issue? Do you think people develop their opinions about a health issue based on what they see on TV/film? This assignment should be 1- 2 pages in length, double-spaced, in APA 7th edition format, and include a reference page. You will include the primary NCHEC Area of Responsibility and Competencies you are addressing in this assignment as a separate paragraph. Discuss the areas you are practicing for this assignment and the specific competency(ies) you are utilizing. Discuss the importance of these competencies as it relates to the profession of public health.
Paper For Above instruction
The depiction of health issues in popular media greatly influences public perception and understanding. An inaccurate portrayal can lead to misconceptions, stigma, and misinformation that affect health behaviors and attitudes. This paper examines a common health issue depicted in film and television—HIV/AIDS—analyzing an inaccurate representation, the targeted audience, and the significance of accurate health communication. It also explores the relevant public health competencies and their importance in shaping effective health messaging.
One notable inaccurate depiction of HIV/AIDS appears in the television series "The Normal Heart," where characters often display stereotypical symptoms and misconceptions about the disease. In many scenes, the show implies that HIV always results in imminent death or severe illness, ignoring advances in treatment that have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition. Symptoms are sometimes exaggerated or presented as visible signs, which can reinforce false beliefs that HIV is easily detectable based on appearance alone. Furthermore, the show occasionally depicts risky behaviors without emphasizing the necessary precautions or available prevention methods, leading to oversimplified or alarmist portrayals.
The audience targeted by "The Normal Heart" primarily includes adults interested in LGBTQ+ issues and public health, but it also reaches viewers unfamiliar with HIV/AIDS, potentially shaping their understanding. The importance of accurate health communication in such shows cannot be overstated. Misinformation can reinforce stigmas—such as viewing HIV-positive individuals as contagious or doomed—which has tangible effects, including discrimination and reluctance to seek testing or treatment. Proper representation and messaging promote compassion, awareness, and the importance of prevention and treatment protocols.
Accurate depiction matters because it educates the public, dispels myths, and reduces stigma. When media portrayals are inaccurate, they may contribute to fearmongering and misconceptions, hindering efforts to prevent transmission and provide support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. People often develop their opinions based on what they see on TV and in movies; thus, media influence can significantly impact public health behaviors and attitudes. For example, stigmatizing images can discourage people from testing or disclosing their status, perpetuating the epidemic. Therefore, responsible portrayals that align with current scientific understanding are essential in fostering informed and compassionate communities.
In public health, effective communication is a key competency outlined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The primary areas addressed in this paper include “Assessment of Needs” and “Implementation of Programs,” which entail understanding audience perceptions and delivering accurate messages. These competencies are vital for public health professionals, as they ensure messages are culturally sensitive, evidence-based, and able to counteract misinformation. Utilizing these competencies enhances health promotion strategies, decreases health disparities, and promotes health equity.
Practicing these competencies involves critically analyzing media content, understanding audience demographics, and disseminating correct health information. For public health professionals, mastering communication competencies fosters trust and credibility, which are essential for influencing health behaviors positively. In contexts like HIV/AIDS portrayal, this means actively correcting misconceptions, advocating for responsible media representations, and developing educational campaigns that complement accurate portrayals. Ultimately, these competencies reinforce the role of public health in shaping informed communities capable of making health-conscious decisions.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). HIV basics. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html
Miller, R. L. (2010). HIV/AIDS and the media. Journal of Health Communication, 15(3), 239-251.
Pulerwitz, J., & Barker, G. (2008). Promoting equity through communication. World Health Organization.
Rao, D., & Han, H. (2019). The portrayal of HIV in mass media: Impact on public perceptions. Media & Public Health Journal, 3(2), 112-125.
Smith, J. P. (2016). Media influence and health perceptions. Public Health Reports, 131(1), 100-109.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Social marketing for public health. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/tools-resources/evaluation-resources/manage-health-communication-and-social-marketing
World Health Organization. (2019). HIV/AIDS: Factsheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids