AMREF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

KENYA REGISTERED COMMUNITY HEALTH

NURSING

PRE-SERVICE PROGRAM
SEPTEMBER 2022

ASSIGNMENT: HIV/AIDS & STIs/RTIs

PRESENTED BY: PALLASED WANJIRU

REG NO: SHS/DNP/6029-3/2022

PRESENTED TO: S. MPUNGU

(LECTURER)

DATE: 09 FEBRUARY 2024

1.Describe different preventive measures in the reduction of maternal-child RTI/STI – HIV
infection (15 Marks)
(Include government interventions plus community)
Community interventions;

(I)Youth outreach
Engage youth through educational programs in schools and youth centers to promote heathy sexual
behaviors, condom use and STI/HIV prevention
(ii)Community health workers
Train and deploy community health workers to provide education, counselling and support services
to pregnant women and their families within their community

(iii)Support groups
Create support groups for pregnant women living with HIV/STIs to share experiences , receive
emotional support and learn coping strategies such as diet, medication, exercise etc

(iv)Cultural sensitivity
Tailor prevention messages and interventions to the cultural beliefs and practices of the community
to ensure acceptance and effectiveness

(v)Peer education programs

Programs include youth knowledge and attitudinal variables including higher HIV knowledge,
increased intention to use condoms, lower stigma regarding HIV, less discrimination toward people
living with HIV, sexual reproductive health behaviors, referrals to clinic services, and use of clinic
services.

(vi)Community-based testing and counselling

More people knowing and understanding the implications of their sero-status within a certain
community can result in raising community awareness, in reduction of stigma, discrimination and
denial and in mobilizing collective action.

Government interventions;

(vii)PMTCT programs
Multiple interventions contribute to prevention of mother to child transmission , including primary
prevention of HIV, prevention of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV,
integration of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services, effective access to HIV testing and
counselling throughout the life course

(viii)Legislation and policies

Enact and enforce policies that promote HIV testing, treatment and prevention measures such as
condom distribution programs and mandatory STI screening during pregnancy

(ix)Healthcare subsidies
Provide subsidies or free health care services for pregnant women, especially for STI/HIV testing
and treatment, to ensure affordability and accessibility

(x)Healthcare infrastructure
Invest in robust healthcare infrastructure, including clinics and hospitals, to ensure access to
prenatal care, STI/HIV testing, and treatment.

(xi)Public health campaigns

To raise awareness about use male or female condoms consistently during penetrative sex, get
tested regularly for HIV and STIs, use antiretroviral drugs for preexposure prophylaxis if
recommended by a clinician and importance of antenatal care

2.a)Discuss attributing factors to high prevalence rate for STI/RTI and HIV/AIDS among teenagers
and young adults (7.5 Marks)

(i)Peer pressure and influence

When teenagers believe that their peers have permissive attitudes toward premarital sex or actually
engage in sex, and then they themselves are more likely to engage in sex. They often have multiple
short-term sexual relationships and do not consistently use condoms.

(ii)Limited access to health care services

Barriers such as cost, lack of transportation, and confidentiality concerns may hinder young people
from accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including STI/HIV testing and
treatment.

(iii)Lack of comprehensive sex education

Inadequate or lack of comprehensive sex education in schools and communities may result in
misinformation, leading to risky sexual behaviors and increased vulnerability to STIs/HIV.

(iv)Substance use
Substance use, including alcohol and drugs, is often a catalyst for risky sexual behaviors such as
unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners thereby increasing the risk of STI/HIV transmission

(v)Early sexual debut

Early sexual initiation without proper educationor access to contraception increases the risks of
unexpected pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted diseases

(vi)Gender inequality and power imbalance

Economic inequality between women and men may increase vulnerability to HIV among sexually
active women. Besides economic differences, unequal power relationships and the subordinate
position of women relative to men also place women at higher risk for contracting HIV

(vii)Poverty and socioeconomic factors

Limited economic opportunities and periods of homelessness have been associated with risky
sexual practices, such as exchanging sex for money, drugs, housing, food and safety.

(viii)Stigma and discrimination

Fear of stigma and discrimination associated with seeking STI/HIV testing and treatment may
discourage young people from accessing healthcare services, leading to undiagnosed and untreated
infections

(ix)Lack of youth-friendly services

Healthcare services may not be tailored to the needs of young people, lacking privacy,
confidentiality, and youth-friendly staff, which can deter them from seeking care.

(x)Migration and urbanization

Movement of young people from rural to urban areas or migration for work or education may
disrupt social support networks and increase exposure to risky sexual behaviors and environments.

2 b)As a community Health Nurse, what are the preventive and control measure would undertake to
reduce this prevalence in your community (7.5 Marks)

(I)Partnering with schools and colleges

Collaborating with schools to integrate sexual health education into the curriculum and providing
resources and support for teachers to address topics related to STIs/RTIs and HIV/AIDS.

(ii)Targeted interventions for vulnerable populations

Develop targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, such as adolescents, sex workers, and
LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing their specific needs and challenges related to STI/HIV prevention
and care.

(iii)STI/HIV testing and counselling

Encouraging individuals, especially sexually active teenagers and young adults, to undergo regular
STI/RTI and HIV testing, regardless of symptoms, to facilitate early detection and treatment

(iv)Youth oureach programs

Engaging with local schools, youth organizations, and community centers to conduct outreach
activities, workshops, and peer education sessions on sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention.

(v)Comprehensive sex education

Implementing comprehensive education programs in schools and community centers to educate
individuals about safe sexual practices, the importance of regular STI/RTI/HIV testing, and the use
of protection methods such as condoms.

(vi)Condom distribution
Condom Distribution Structural Intervention (CDSI) is a part of the HIV and sexually transmitted
infection (STI) prevention strategy that helps increase the availability, accessibility, and
acceptability of condoms in an effort to prevent HIV and STI transmission.

(vii)Community awareness campaigns

To promote progress toward consistent HIV prevention through community mobilization and
distribution of small-media materials and risk reduction supplies, such as condoms and bleach.

(viii)Community mobilization and advocacy

Mobilize community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to advocate for policy changes,
increased funding, and improved access to healthcare services for STI/HIV prevention and control.

(ix)Promotion of health relationships

Provide resources and support for promoting healthy relationships, consent, and communication
skills to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

(x)Support groups and counselling services

Establish support groups and counseling services for individuals living with STIs/HIV and their
families to provide emotional support, reduce stigma, and improve adherence to treatment.