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Joshua And His Doctor:
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Audience:
General
Year:
1988
Speech Rate:
168 words/min
Large Words
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This video presents the HIV antibody pre- and post-test counseling sessions that Joshua, a White young adult male, receives from his physician. The counseling sessions portrayed in the video, which was produced in 1988, do not conform to current CDC guidelines in important respects. For example, the physician does not discuss specific sexual or drug use behaviors and how to change them or make them safer, and does not help the client to assess his own personal risk for HIV.
Although it is not an appropriate video for training future HIV pre- and post- test counselors, however, it provides useful information about some pros and cons of the HIV test. It might be useful to individuals who are considering being tested. The pre-test counseling begins with William Owen, MD, asking Joshua why he wants to be tested. When Joshua explains that he knows that he has been engaging in unsafe behavior, Dr. Owen explains the potential advantages of being tested and the process by which it is done. The physician emphasizes the importance of early testing and intervention for those infected with HIV. He also addresses the implications of HIV status for fatherhood and for blood and organ donation; involvement in clinical trials; HIV-related discrimination; negative psychological implications of HIV infection; and the possibility of suicidal thoughts associated with an HIV diagnosis. Later, Joshua returns to discuss his HIV positive test result. During the post-test counseling session, Dr. Owen explains the steps that they will take to assess Joshua’s health, including a series of tests to determine the state of his immune system. The physician indicates that these tests will guide their decisions regarding therapies, and he lists some options. He also discusses lifestyle changes that Joshua should implement to protect his immune system, such as exercise, adequate nutrition, and safer sex. Dr. Owen encourages Joshua to join a support group and tells him that he can live a full and productive life with HIV. The physician also discusses concerns related to financial problems, wills, and durable power of attorney. Although the audience is never told whether or not Dr. Owen and Joshua are actors, their performance is believable. The technical quality of the video is good, although static camera shots and long segments of lecturing by Dr. Owen might not hold the interest of all viewers. This video is part of a series that includes Joshua: A Student Challenging HIV Infection and Susan: Joshua's Mother Responds. |
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African Americans
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