Shoshana Kerewsky is a trainer for the American Psychological Association's HIV Office for Psychology Education. She is a licensed psychologist. She teaches in the UO College of Education, has a small private psychotherapy practice, and provides psycho-educational group meetings for patients with diabetes at Volunteers in Medicine. In her free time, she is developing counselor training materials based on Harry Potter, including the psycho-pharmacology of dementor attacks so that she can assist victims who are allergic to chocolate.

This class meets Friday June 26, Saturday June 27, Friday July 17, and Saturday July 18

This instructor has listed the entire syllabus and readings on Blackboard. Please go there to retrieve it.

This class is the precursor to the HIV Counseling Class. The goal of this class is to introduce students to the epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV/AIDS and common opportunistic infections to AIDS, such as hepatitis, tuberculosis. In addition, it will show the relationship between risk behaviors of people who use drugs and/or alcohol to frequency of STIs and HIV/AIDS. 

The material pesented in this class may evoke memories and/or create discomfort or embarrassment to both you and others in the class.  At times, you may experience strong feelings or become agitated.  Therefore, it is crucial for us to maintain an open, positive, learning environment, free from value-laden or judging comments.  Negative remarks tend to create defensiveness, alienate others, and discourage group participation.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and to interact with the class to the extent that you feel comfortable.

KNOWLEDGE~
Define high risk behaviors for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases.
Explain how chemical use and dependency related to high-risk behaviors and HIV/AIDS infection, hepatitis, TB and STIs.
Identify routes of transmission for HIV/AIDS infection, hepatitis, TB and STIs.
Explain rudimentary concepts of HIV virology and its pathology along with how Hepatitis, TB and STIs affect the body, particularly in co-infection.
List the epidemiological factors that promote the transmission of these infectious diseases among various populations.
Identify the prevalence rates, health and socio-economic impact of these infectious disease in Oregon, the United States and globally.
Outline and evaluate risk reduction and prevention strategies for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases among the general populations and those with occupational related transmission risks.
Become more familiar with local HIV/AIDS and STIs resources in the Eugene community and the services that are available for HIV/AIDS infected or affected persons

SKILLS~
Demonstrate the use of mechanical and chemical barriers to prevent the exchange of potentially infectious body fluid and the proper use of universal precautions, (i.e. correct condom use and negotiation, latex gloves, hand-washing, etc.)
Improve one on one and group communication skills by participating in group discussions and course exercises that deal with personal and sensitive sexual health topics

Class participation and full class attendance:  You are expected to attend ALL scheduled classes.  In order to receive full credit, you must participate in class discussions, pass all tests given and turn in all required assignments.

Mandatory attendance.

Course introduction and goals.

Terminology; contexts, hidden stereotypes and assumptions, countertransference; basic epidemiology.

Review syllabus on Blackboard and print or save a copy

Extended overview of AIDS epidemiology

Routes of transmission; world history, sociopolitical factors, cultural factors, responses by governments and communities (Video Part 1).

Read materials in Blackboard folder HIV-STI Week 2
Print worksheet or load on your laptop and bring to class

Discussion of Video Part 2

Epidemiology (cont.); ethical and legal considerations; countertransference activity

Vertical transmission

Occupational exposure; role playing check for comprehension; STI assignment described.

Read materials in Blackboard folder HIV-STI Week 4

Vulnerable populations vs. high risk activities

Stereotypes (including racism, assumptions about drug users, assumptions about poverty, and homophobia); prevention.

Read materials in Blackboard folder HIV-STI Week 5
STI assignment due

Tuberculosis; the hepatitis family (A, B, C, etc.)

Epidemiology, routes of transmission.

Read materials in Blackboard folder HIV-STI Week 7

Other STIs; STIs and HIV

Chemical use and dependency and their relationship to HIV, HCV, and other STIs; challenges associated with co-infection; reflection paper stimulus presented.

Read materials in Blackboard folder HIV-STI Week 7

Overview of HIV, HIV-TB, HIV-HCV

Treatment methods and considerations; cultural considerations related to treatment; screening for services; referrals and community resources.

Read materials in Blackboard folder HIV-STI Week 8
Reflection paper due

Barrier methods and reduction of occupational risk

Student demonstrations and role playing check for comprehension.

Read materials in Blackboard folder HIV-STI Week 9
Online comprehensive survey due by 5:00 PM Friday, 11/28

Barrier methods and reduction of occupational risk

Student demonstrations and role playing check for comprehension.

Read materials in Blackboard folder HIV-STI Week 9
Online comprehensive survey due by 5:00 PM Friday, 11/28

Use of Personal Technology & Literature:

• Laptops may ONLY be used in class for the purpose of note taking. Web surfing, games, instant messaging, email, and working on homework for other classes tends to be distracting to others and is prohibited during class time. If you find you must do otherwise, please excuse yourself for the remainder of the class time. However, you will not earn participation points for that day.
• Non-course materials - Magazines, books, newspapers and other literature, including homework from other classes, may be a distraction for others in class and is therefore prohibited. Please save these activities for time other than in class.
• Music/Video player use during class is strictly prohibited. This is a definite distraction for others.
• Cell phones are to be silenced and not used during class time. This includes sending or receiving calls or use of text messaging. If you find you need to use your cell phone, please excuse yourself for the remainder of the class time. However, you will not earn participation points for that day.