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Abstract

This paper attempts to explain the various factors causing illnesses in individuals in a society. The research uses a case of Betty, a 45-year-old lesbian widow who suspects she could be having cancer. The paper identifies her genetic predisposition to cancer, depression due to the death of her husband, her lack of an income generating activity, her promiscuous behavior and her failure to be under a health insurance cover as the biophysical, psychological, sociocultural and health system factors resulting in her illness and suspicious of cancer. The paper identifies ways a health worker can help women of minority sexual orientation on health matters such as creating awareness, treating them in a dignified manner and persuading them to adopt health insurance covers.

Factors Influencing Illnesses

Biophysical factors are physical attributes that could influence the likelihood of an individual to get a certain disease (Akolekar et al, 2011). In the case of Betty, her mother had succumbed to cancer and she could have a genetic predisposition to cancer. With regards to psychological factors, Betty is depressed due to the death of her husband leaving her behind with children to rise. Depression leads to a poor immunity and consequently susceptibility to infections (Ross, 2017). In terms of the social-cultural environment, Betty has lost her lover and she does not have a source of income adding more psychological stress in her life. Her behavior, of promiscuity, could influence her likelihood to get cervical cancer which is usually caused by the HPV virus, sexually transmitted. The health system seems to be defective in persuading locals to get into health insurance programs and that is probably why Betty despite her age is not covered by any insurance policy.

Majority of health issues are manageable by the populations provided that they are aware of health conditions and how to contain, treat and even prevent them (Ross, 2017). Cognizant of this I would lure women of minority sexual orientation by treating them with dignity, without discriminating them or treating them with contempt. This would motivate them to seek medical care whenever they experience health problems to avoid rapid disease progression. Secondly, I would create awareness regarding the consequences of any sexual activity with regards to disease transmissions. Finally, I would urge them to get into medical insurance covers so as to afford treatments when they fall ill.

Betty's concerns are partly valid and partly illusory. Her obsession with cancer is illusory as it has not been medically tested and identified. Furthermore, the belief that she should not get a pap smear is also based on false belief. Her depression is, however, real and could be the reason why she has started her current sex life. Finally, she is not in a life insurance scheme. The health nurse can encourage her to get tested for cancer so that her mind could be settled or even start early medication. The nurse can also advise her to get an insurance cover.

References

Akolekar, R., Syngelaki, A., Sarquis, R., Zvanca, M., & Nicolaides, K. H. (2011). Prediction of early, intermediate and late pre‐eclampsia from maternal factors, biophysical and biochemical markers at 11–13 weeks. Prenatal diagnosis, 31(1), 66-74.

Ross, C. E. (2017). Social causes of psychological distress. Routledge.