2023-06-23 04:00:47
Civil associations ask to increase educational campaigns on HIV to put an end to myths and erroneous beliefs.
A survey revealed that almost half of Mexicans think that HIV and AIDS are synonymous.
The study also highlighted the lack of knowledge that exists about pre-exposure (PrEP) and post-exposure (PEP) prophylactic methods.
These are fast-paced times in which all the knowledge in the world is just a click away. Geographical barriers no longer exist and everything is immediate. But going from lack to abundance of information has not been entirely favorable because multiple myths about HIV diseases.
In this vein, the president of the civil association “Positive Beach Life”, Rudolf Geers, announced the findings of the study “Origins, diffusion and consequences of the myths about HIV and AIDS”. It was carried out in Playa del Carmen from a sample of 1,342 interviewees.
The activist pointed out that the lack of complete and updated information, the entrenched use of incorrect terms and moral etiquette limit knowledge about HIV and AIDS, as well as people’s understanding and willingness to get tested.
Geers pointed out that HIV is a global epidemic that must be addressed with a local approach, for example, in the case of Playa del Carmen its population is made up mostly of people from different states of the republic and their level of knowledge about the HIV is varied.
Myths about HIV
Nearly 50% of those interviewed do not know the differences between HIV and AIDSwhich leads to incubating wrong ideas that have an impact on isolation and/or bullying in the workplace, in addition to the lack of adherence to treatment when considering magical options of local uses and customs such as healers and herbalists.
On the other hand, popular culture and the media have inculcated words that alarm people and put them on the defensive of people with HIV, as is the case of the word “contagion” that inevitably leads us to think that The virus can be acquired by simple contact with a person with HIV
According to the results of the study, 60% did not know that HIV cannot be transmitted by having an open wound and being close to an infected person, 40% thought that they could acquire HIV by touching blood, having contact with saliva or kissing a person with HIV, 30% for sharing a bathroom and 25% for sharing glasses, plates or cutlery with one of these people.
Although a person with HIV under successful treatment, that is, with an undetectable viral load, can no longer transmit the virus to other people in sexual relations, there is still discrimination due to the fear of being able to acquire HIV by living with a person with HIV due to because only 85% of the interviewees were aware of the concept of undetectable equals untransmissible (I=I).
Lack of information on current treatments
The study also highlighted the lack of knowledge that exists about the pre-exposure (PrEP) and post-exposure (PEP) prophylactic methods to limit HIV transmissiondue to the prevailing myth that the condom is the only way to achieve that goal.
Finally, the taboos to talk about sexuality and the idea that HIV is a punishment for an immoral life lead to the mistaken idea that only men who have sex with men, sex workers and their clients, people can be affected by HIV. with many sexual or drug-using partners.
Among the recommendations cited by the research to reverse the current situation are creating educational materials on HIV for the use of public health officials and members of civil society organizations (CSOs), to present at High Schools and Health Fairs. organized by the PrevenIMSS in hotels and companies.
The creation of a web page and a brochure with complete and easy-to-understand basic information on HIV and AIDS to distribute in laboratories, health centers and places where medical care is provided free of charge to people with HIV.
Set up an official call center to answer questions about HIV, AIDS and various procedures, in addition to receiving complaints about the medical care that users receive.
The request to repeal Article 113 of the Penal Code of the State of Quintana Roo (“Danger of contagion”), which states that all sexually active people with HIV are a danger to society.
Mass promotion campaigns for people to take an HIV test, especially at the beginning of a new stable relationship and sexual relationship, as well as setting up inter-institutional sexual health clinics focused on men who have sex with men, trans women and sex workers where HIV and other sexually transmitted infection counseling, testing, and access to PrEP and PEP are provided, with extended hours Monday through Sunday and trained medical personnel in an environment free from discrimination.
Also read:
The most frequent myths and taboos about HIV that you must eradicate
Myths and facts about HIV that your patient should know
Main myths and facts about donating blood
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