The St. Fleur family is well respected in the Haitian community because they are religious with great moral values. They moved to the United States because of political issues in Haiti. Ronald, the youngest son of this family, is 27 years old and lives at home with his mother and father. Recently, he began having fevers and subsequently developed pneumonia. He was admitted to the hospital, where laboratory tests were HIV positive. Ronald was in shock when the doctor informed him that he was HIV positive. He confessed to the doctor that he was gay, but he could not tell his family. He said that he did not want to bring shame to the family. Because he couldn’t be in a formal relationship disowning to his family and the Haitian community’s view of homosexuality, he has been very promiscuous over the years.
- What are Haitians’ views of homosexuality?
- If Ronald’s parents were to learn of his positive HIV status, how might they react if they are religious and traditional?
- Identify three major culturally congruent strategies a healthcare provider can implement to address HIV prevention practices in the Haitian community?
500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This scenario highlights the challenges faced by an individual from a conservative cultural background, who happens to belong to a stigmatized population. The questions posed below require an understanding of the Haitian community’s views regarding homosexuality, the potential reaction of Ronald’s religious and traditional parents to his admission of his HIV-positive status, and culturally congruent strategies that healthcare providers can use to address HIV prevention in the Haitian community.
1. What are Haitians’ views of homosexuality?
The Haitian society, as a whole, is conservative and places a strong emphasis on family values, respect, and adherence to tradition. Therefore, homosexuality is considered taboo in the Haitian community, and individuals identifying with this sexual orientation face extreme discrimination and stigma. Homosexuality in Haitian culture is seen as a departure from the family norm, and individuals may face severe ostracism and shunning from the community.
2. If Ronald’s parents were to learn of his positive HIV status, how might they react if they are religious and traditional?
Ronald’s religious and traditional parents are more likely to react with shock and disbelief initially, given their conservative background. They may experience extensive grief and may blame themselves and Ronald for his condition, leading to social isolation and exclusion from the community. Further, there may be an attempt to keep Ronald’s condition hidden from the rest of the family and community to prevent bringing shame and embarrassment to themselves.
3. Identify three major culturally congruent strategies a healthcare provider can implement to address HIV prevention practices in the Haitian community?
Healthcare providers should adopt culturally appropriate strategies to address HIV prevention practices in the Haitian community. Some of these strategies include;
– Engage in community outreach and education, raising awareness about safe sexual practices and promoting HIV testing.
– Identify and collaborate with community leaders, pastoral staff, and traditional healers, leveraging their cultural authority and trust to destigmatize HIV and encourage testing.
– Develop healthcare programs that are sensitive to the Haitian community’s language, customs, and beliefs, emphasizing confidentiality and showing empathy and respect to individuals who are HIV positive.
Conclusion:
It is imperative to understand the cultural norms, beliefs, and values of patients to provide effective healthcare and treatment. Healthcare providers must adopt an inclusive approach to address the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting culturally sensitive practices. This would enable better health outcomes and develop trust and engagement between healthcare providers and patients.
