The family in the fae of HIV/AIDS

CEBU, Philippines - The increase in the number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases has been striking these past years and there is no sign of it letting up.

In the Philippines, since February this year 55 lives have been lost to the disease, which afflict mostly young adults between 25 to 34 years old. Cebu, as small as it is, ranks third among the areas with the most HIV cases.

How does the Filipino family take this imminent threat? Is the subject even discussed at home?

The Filipino culture is known to be conservative, perhaps due to the intense religiosity of the people. Hence, many subjects and issues are taboo, especially those with perceived sexual bearing, like HIV or AIDs. But this should not be the case.

As the person's innermost circle, the family has a crucial role to play when someone is in crisis. One's thoughts on and behavior towards a serious disease like HIV/AIDS, for instance, can be very much influenced by the attitude of family members towards the subject. Prevention, therefore, starts at home.

While society views HIV as a result of risky practices of an individual, the individual himself can be influenced by the family. Open communication among family members regarding HIV/AIDS shall be encouraged.

The National Institute of Mental Health has recommendations on what the family could do:

• Heads of the family should examine how the members cope with stress. Attentiveness is key on spotting high-risk drug and sexual behaviors of the dependents. Discussing the negative effects and possible infections one might get in engaging in those risky activities may restrict one to safer practices.

• Families should enhance strategies to limit alcohol consumption within safe levels among its members and avoid HIV exposure. Young family members shall be encouraged to engage only in healthy social diversions and keep only safe social company. Proper health education and good family modeling should be undertaken in the home.

• Minimizing conflicts at home can do a greatly help in strengthening relationships within the family. Supportive relationships and communication in the family can help instill proper among family members.

• Maintaining positive social networks outside the home that contributes to the wellbeing of a person is important as well. Both formal (support groups and health care services) and informal (friends and partners) components can help promote and exercise caution.

• Parents ought to monitor the children's activities and provide information that encourages sexual abstinence. It is also important of discuss safe sexual practices, including the use of contraceptives.

• Older family members should demonstrate proper behavior at the home and be agents of good morals.

• Creating a safe environment for the family members and strong connection among the members, free of prejudices, will be helpful for family members to open up and communicate freely among themselves.

The role of the family in the prevention of and intervention in the HIV/AIDS problem cannot be over-emphasized. Prevention is the best cure and what better way to start than in the home. (FREEMAN)