HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections

Aboriginal Nurse, The, 2002

17

I can remember always being unhappy in my childhood and my teens. I don't remember any happy times ... I honestly think that it is because of this that I spent my teens and almost all of my 20s drinking and smoking pot constantly. I abused my body without a care for my health. I've had every kind of STD at one time or another. Luckily, I didn't contract HIV.

Be sure to read Part 1 before working on this unit. See these other units for more issues related to HIV/AIDS and other STIs:

Unit 2 - Educating Children and Youth About Sexuality

Unit 3 - Child Sexual Abuse

Unit 4 - Youth Sexuality and Sexual Health

Unit 14 - Two-Spirit People and Sexual Diversity

Unit 16 - Sexual Violence

Introduction

Because of public attitudes about sexually transmitted infections and the discrimination that can result, take special care to preserve confidentiality and privacy in addressing these issues.

The growing number of Aboriginal people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) shows the need to educate our people about the dangers of unprotected sex, and to raise awareness about prevention so that Aboriginal people can enjoy the benefits of sexual intimacy without risk and shame. Overall, Aboriginal people have higher rates of HIV infection than Canadians in general. Rates of infection among people under 30, women, two-spirit people and injection drug users are a concern.

Most people are now aware of HIV/AIDS, but it is important to remember that there are many other sexual infections that pose a threat to health, such as chlamydia, hepatitis C and herpes, In the last five years, Inuit, First Nations and Metis communities have been leaders in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and support. Many of their innovative, culture-based programs and resource materials can be applied to other STIs.

People, especially youth, need information about the realities of STIs, how we catch them, how we can protect ourselves and our partners from infection, and what to do if we think we might be infected. In addition to information, we need to understand that peer pressure and using alcohol and drugs can make us forget about sexual responsibility and can result in unsafe sexual activity. We need support to make sound decisions about sexual activity and to develop our skills to talk about safer sex and to protect ourselves and others. We also need access to confidential testing and treatment. As with other sexual matters, lack of self-- esteem, drug and alcohol problems, and violence can get in the way of prevention.

Which Sexually Transmitted Infections Should We Worry About?

HIV/AIDS

Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the white blood cells of the immune system so that the body is unprotected. If any other virus invades the body, it could be fatal. HIV is transmitted from an infected person in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. Unprotected vaginal or anal sex, sharing injection drug needles, infected blood products, tattooing, scarification or body piercing are the main ways of getting HIV. HIV can also be transmitted to infants during pregnancy, at birth or through breastfeeding. There presently is no cure for HIV/AIDS. While modern drug treatments can control symptoms and prolong life for many people with HIV, the high cost, the complicated mix of drugs and the strict daily schedule, make their use unrealistic for many people with HIV or AIDS.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Other Than HIV/AIDS

Other more common STIs can have serious health consequences. A growing number of Aboriginal people are suffering from infections such as: chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which often have no symptoms, can lead to sterility (inability to have children) or pelvic inflammatory disease, a chronic and painful condition. Human papilloma virus is linked to increased risk of cervical cancer, and hepatitis B and C can result in liver disease and cancer of the liver.

If diagnosed right away, many STIs are easily treated, but they all cause emotional distress as well as physical harm. An important part of building strong and healthy communities is providing public education, confidential testing, effective treatment and support.

The majority of the 45,000 Inuit live in the 53 remote communities of Arctic Canada. Many Inuit in Arctic communities still think that their isolation from southern Canada will protect them and their families, while others believe that ... if they do not share needles to do drugs, then they are not at risk. The fact is that unprotected heterosexual sex remains the number one way Inuit become infected with HIV [and other sexually transmitted infections].

Many Inuit are afraid to be tested in their home community out of fear that other community members will find out. Some Inuit choose not to be tested because they realize they may have to go south for treatment.1

I can remember always being unhappy in my childhood and my teens. I don't remember any happy times. It seemed like whenever something would go well in my life, it always got ruined because I would get home and my dad would be there either drunk or ready to yell at me. I honestly think that it is because of this that I spent my teens and almost all of my 20s drinking and smoking pot constantly. I abused my body without a care for my health. I've had every kind of STD at one time or another. Luckily, I didn't contract HIV.