Social representations of HIV/AIDS in mass media: Some important lessons for caregivers. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Labra, Oscar
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 58:Number 2(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 238
• Page End: 248
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Cultural competence -- health care -- HIV/AIDS -- social representation -- social workers; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872813497380
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

This article provides an overview of published studies on social representations of HIV/AIDS. It argues that, despite changes over time in the peripheral elements of negative social representations, such representations remain present within the health care field and continue to affect populations across various cultures. This underlines the importance of health care that accounts for cultural needs in interventions with people living with HIV/AIDS. A review of the relevant literature suggests that it is necessary to assist caregivers (including social workers) in understanding both the social significance associated with the illness and the concept of cultural competence.