ABSTRACT
This paper examines the narrative testimony of women survivors of two atrocious events that took place in the XX century: the Holocaust in the 40's and the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 80's. The author recognizes similarities in thoughts, feelings, experiences and meaning regarding several issues of human suffering that emerge from these testimonies. It expounds the perceptions on death, motherhood, family separation, intimacy and sexuality. For the author approach of these issues from a female perspective can provide new meanings arrived at the development of a new discourse and new social practices. Promotes to think about reactions of indifference before human suffering. Concludes by questioning why technological, scientific advances and advances in social development have not been able to provide human responses to human problems.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , HIV Long-Term Survivors , Holocaust , Jews , Survivorship/psychology , Abortion, Induced , Attitude to Death , Family , Latin America , Pregnancy , Puerto Rico , SexABSTRACT
Theater of Life is an educational model that integrate theater theories and techniques as a strategy for health education. Theater as an educational technique has become a useful tool for the health context. In this work the author discuss the role of social change as an important element in health education and suggests the use of theatrical techniques for it's promotion. Also offers information about the different approaches of popular theatre and popular education incorporated in this model, Theatre of the Oppressed by A. Boal, Popular Education by P. Freire, Poor Theater by J. Grotowoski and Education for Peace by C. Beristain and P. Cascón and explain the basic principles of each one of them. In the methodology section the author explains the different steps for implementing the strategy: solidarity and connection games, story telling technique and script development, presentation and forum. In the practice section the author shares the process of model development and the significance events that had contribute to their elaboration.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Health Education/methods , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Social Change , Homosexuality , Puerto Rico , Quality of Life , Sex Education , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Women have been placed at a vulnerable situation regarding the HIV epidemic. Recent advances in antiretroviral therapies have placed in evidence the gender disparities and the new challenges to overcome them. The mortality of AIDS has decreased dramatically in the United States and Puerto Rico as a consequence of new combination therapies. Still, women constitute the fastest growing group of AIDS cases. There are gender differences in access to treatment and care, economic income and social and personal power. Among women's barriers to care are the lack of knowledge about AIDS in women by health providers, the family responsibilities and the burden and fear of disclosure. The authors suggest the need for empowerment as strategy for attaining better health and improving the quality of life in women living with HIV.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Women's Health , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Women's needs are different from men's; the research and services related to HIV/AIDS have been focused in men's needs. The implication of this approach is that it has had very serious consequences for women who live with HIV/AIDS. It has resulted in health professionals failing to understand the emergence of the symptoms, the complications, the necessary treatments, and the complex patterns of progression of the disease. Oral testimonies are an alternative methodology for the development of theoretical and intervention models that incorporate issues pertaining to the life-styles and world-view of women with HIV and other socially alienated people. Through the testimonies of three women living with HIV the author discusses concepts such as social stigma, family, spirituality, and human solidarity and denounces the oppression, exclusion and dehumanization experiences that these brave women have experienced as a result of living with this condition.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , HIV Infections , Women's Health , Attitude to Health , Family , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/psychology , Life Style , Puerto Rico , Sex Factors , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/diagnosis , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/psychology , StereotypingABSTRACT
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has presented many challenges to both: researchers and care providers. In addition, the concepts and models of human behavior needed a re-examination in response to this pandemic. We are redefining both empowerment and sexual negotiation for women living with HIV. Empowerment is defined as a process of awareness throughout which women recognize their capacity to achieve individual and social changes. This process involves a mental and spiritual awareness that will enable them to focus on their physical, psychological and social aspects. For women living with HIV, this is also a strategy for survival. For women living with HIV, sexual negotiation is a straightforward issue: it is either safer sex or nothing. Safer sexual practices then are a consequence or by-product of the process of empowerment. To facilitate this process our approach is directed to the individual, in an attempt to reach the inner power source that all human beings share.