CIVIC EDUCATION

THEME – EMERGING ISSUES

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1) 

TOPIC – HIV/AIDS 

LEARNING AREA

1. Meaning of HIV/AIDS and The Causes

2. Symptoms and Effects of HIV/AIDS.

3. Preventive Measures of HIV/AIDS

4. Stigmatization of PLWHA

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Pictures

2. Charts

3. Posters

4. Textbooks

5. HIV/Ward

6. Video Clips

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning and the causes of HIV/AIDS.

2. identify the symptoms and effects of HIV/AIDS.

3. state the preventive measures of HIV/AIDS.

4. discuss the HIV/AIDS stigmatization.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus while AIDS stands Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting white blood cell, which help the body fight off infections. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely compromised, making the individual vulnerable to opportunistic infections and diseases.

HIV/AIDS is usually transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding, sex and sharing of sharp objects. There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of those living with the virus.

CAUSES OF HIV/AIDS 

1. Unprotected Sexual Contact – HIV is most commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Unprotected sex with an infected person can transmit the virus.

2. Sharing Needles – Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person can also transmit HIV, as the virus can be present in blood and bodily fluids.

3. Blood Transfusions – Before proper screening was implemented, HIV could be transmitted through blood transfusions from infected donors.

4. Mother to Child Transmission – HIV can be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

5. Contaminated Medical Equipment – In some cases, HIV can be transmitted through contaminated medical equipment or procedures, such as unsafe injections.

6. Occupational Exposure – Healthcare workers and others who come into contact with blood or bodily fluids are at risk of HIV infection if proper precautions are not taken.

7. Drug Use – Injection drug use carries a high risk for HIV transmission, as sharing needles or equipment can spread the virus.

8. Lack of Access to Prevention and Treatment – Limited access to prevention measures such as condoms, HIV testing, and antiretroviral medications can contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS.

SYMPTOMS/EFFECTS OF HIV/AIDS 

It’s important to note that the symptoms of HIV/AIDS can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any symptoms for years after being infected. Additionally, many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s essential to get tested for HIV if you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the infection and prevent the progression to AIDS. Some common symptoms of HIV/AIDS include:

1. Fever

2. Fatigue

3. Swollen lymph nodes

4. Sore throat

5. Rash

6. Muscle and joint pain

7. Headache

8. Night sweats

9. Diarrhea

10. Weight loss

11. Thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth)

12. Neurological symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and neuropathy

13. Recurring infections

14. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck

EFFECTS OF HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS can have a wide range of effects on the body and overall health. Some potential effects of HIV/AIDS include:

1. Weakening of the Immune System – HIV attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting off infections. As the virus replicates and destroys these cells, the immune system becomes progressively weaker, making the individual more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancers.

2. Opportunistic Infections – People with HIV/AIDS are at higher risk of developing opportunistic infections, which are infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system. These can include tuberculosis, pneumonia, and certain fungal, bacterial, and viral infections.

3. AIDS-defining Illnesses – If HIV progresses to its later stages and the CD4 cell count falls below a certain level, the individual is diagnosed with AIDS. This is when the immune system is severely compromised, leading to an increased risk of developing severe and potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses.

4. Neurological Complications – HIV can affect the brain and nervous system, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and neurological disorders. This can result in conditions like HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and peripheral neuropathy.

5. Cardiovascular Disease – People with HIV/AIDS are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. This can be due to a combination of factors, including chronic inflammation and the side effects of certain HIV medications.

6. HIV-associated Cancers – HIV infection increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer. These cancers are more likely to occur in individuals with weakened immune systems.

7. Psychological and Social Effects – Living with HIV/AIDS can have significant psychological and social effects, including stigma, discrimination, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. These factors can negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.

Early diagnosis, regular medical care, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices can help manage the effects of HIV/AIDS and improve quality of life for individuals living with the virus.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF HIV/AIDS

Preventing the transmission of HIV is crucial in controlling the spread of the virus. Here are some preventive measures individuals can take to reduce their risk of contracting HIV:

1. Practice Safe Sex – Using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral) can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Limiting the number of sexual partners and being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for HIV can also lower the risk.

2. Get tested and know your status – Regular HIV testing is important for early detection and treatment. Knowing your HIV status allows you to take appropriate steps to prevent transmission to others and access necessary care and support.

3. Limit or Avoid sharing Needles – Injection drug use and sharing needles or syringes can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Using clean needles and syringes and participating in needle exchange programs can help reduce the risk.

4. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – PrEP is a preventive medication that can be taken by individuals at high risk of HIV infection to reduce their chances of contracting the virus. It is recommended for certain populations, such as individuals with a partner known to have HIV or those who engage in high-risk behaviors.

5. Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – PEP is a short-term course of antiretroviral drugs that can be taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection. It is commonly used in emergency situations, such as after unprotected sex or needle-sharing with an HIV-positive individual.

6. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) – People living with HIV/AIDS can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others by taking ART as prescribed. ART helps to suppress the viral load in the body, making it less likely to be transmitted to sexual partners or unborn children.

7. Education and Awareness – Increasing knowledge about HIV/AIDS, promoting safe behaviors, and combating stigma and discrimination are essential for prevention efforts. Education can empower individuals to make informed choices and engage in protective behaviors.

By incorporating these preventive measures into their lives, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting HIV and contribute to creating a healthier and safer community.

MEANING AND TYPES OF STIGMATIZATION

Stigmatization refers to the process of labeling and stereotyping individuals based on certain characteristics or attributes that are deemed socially undesirable or deviant. Stigma can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and negative attitudes towards individuals who possess these characteristics.

Stigmatization can have harmful effects on the well-being, mental health, and quality of life of individuals who experience discrimination and prejudice. Addressing stigma requires efforts to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, promote empathy and understanding, and advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their characteristics or identities. There are several types of stigmatization, including:

1. Public Stigma – Public stigma occurs when society as a whole holds negative attitudes and beliefs towards a particular group or individuals with specific characteristics. This can lead to discrimination, social rejection, and exclusion of individuals from certain opportunities and resources.

2. Self-stigma – Self-stigma refers to the internalization of negative stereotypes and beliefs by individuals who possess stigmatized characteristics. This can lead to feelings of shame, self-blame, low self-esteem, and a sense of worthlessness.

3. Structural Stigma – Structural stigma occurs when institutional policies, practices, and norms reinforce and perpetuate stigma towards certain groups. This can lead to discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and other systems, limiting opportunities and resources for affected individuals.

4. Associative Stigma – Associative stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs directed towards individuals who are associated with a stigmatized group, even if they do not possess the stigmatized characteristics themselves. For example, family members, friends, or partners of individuals with a stigmatized condition may also experience discrimination and social exclusion.

5. Enacted Stigma – Enacted stigma involves actual experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and mistreatment based on stigmatized characteristics. This can include acts of verbal abuse, physical violence, social rejection, and exclusion from social activities and interactions.

6. Perceived Stigma – Perceived stigma refers to the anticipation or fear of experiencing discrimination and negative attitudes from others due to stigmatized characteristics. This can lead to social withdrawal, avoidance of disclosing one’s identity or condition, and reluctance to seek help or support.

STIGMATIZATION OF PLWHA

PLWHA stands People living with HIV/AIDS. Stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors directed towards individuals who are infected with or affected by HIV. Stigma can take various forms, including discrimination, prejudice, social rejection, and stereotyping.

Stigmatization of PLWHA can have detrimental effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals and can also hinder efforts to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS. Here are some of the common consequences of stigmatization of PLWHA:

1. Fear of Disclosure – Stigma can prevent individuals from disclosing their HIV status to others, including friends, family members, and healthcare providers. Fear of rejection, discrimination, or violence may lead to isolation and secrecy, hindering access to necessary support and treatment.

2. Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment – Stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS may discourage individuals from seeking testing, diagnosis, and treatment, leading to delayed access to care. Delayed diagnosis can result in more advanced disease progression and poorer health outcomes.

3. Poor Mental Health – Stigma can have a significant impact on the mental health of PLWHA, contributing to feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and isolation. This can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts.

4. Social Isolation and Rejection – Stigma can result in social isolation and rejection of PLWHA by friends, family members, colleagues, and communities. This can lead to loneliness, loss of social support, and decreased quality of life.

5. Discrimination in Healthcare Settings – Stigmatization of PLWHA can also manifest in healthcare settings, leading to discrimination and substandard care. Healthcare providers may treat PLWHA differently, provide inadequate services, or withhold information due to fear or prejudice.

6. Impact on Relationships and Intimacy – Stigma can affect relationships and intimacy for PLWHA, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining personal connections. Fear of rejection or judgment may prevent individuals from disclosing their HIV status to potential partners or engaging in romantic relationships.

Addressing stigma and discrimination against PLWHA is crucial for promoting HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Strategies to combat stigma include raising awareness, promoting education and understanding about HIV/AIDS, advocating for the rights of PLWHA, and fostering supportive and inclusive communities. Efforts to reduce stigma can help create a more compassionate and empowering environment for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. explain the meaning and causes of HIV/AIDS.

2. identify the symptoms and effects of HIV/AIDS.

3. analyze the preventive measures.

4. highlights the stigmatization associated with HIV/AIDS.

5. visit HIV/AIDS ward.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. explain the meaning and causes of HIV/AIDS.

2. analyze symptoms and effects of HIV/AIDS.

3. mention the preventive measure.

4. demonstrate HIV/AIDS stigmatization.

5. observe, ask questions and write reports.

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. state and explain the meaning and causes of HIV/AIDS.

2. list the symptoms and effects of HIV/AIDS.

3. state the preventive measure of HIV/AIDS.

4. discuss HIV/AIDS stigmatization