Question: Using the Health Belief Model, firstly explore the motivational behaviours of Juliano associated with engaging in safe sex practices

Assessed learning outcomes:

A) Explain fundamental health based psychological theories, diagnostic criteria and relevant medical/psychological interventions.
B) Discuss behaviours and role theory in relation to perspectives of diagnosis and illness narratives.
C) Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of evidence-based health approaches.
E) Effectively communicate and argue information clearly and coherently using appropriate academic and APA referencing conventions appropriate to psychology.

Case study:

Juliano Rossi first visited the UK when he was 16 years old, he enjoyed his time and was drawn to the city life. Juliano was born and bought up into a strict catholic family, he was one of five siblings. Juliano’s elder two brothers didn’t progress to higher education as they wanted to join the family fashion designing business. Juliano however didn’t share the same passion, he wanted to study events management and pursue a degree in the UK. After much persuasion, his parents agreed to allow Juliano to study in Birmingham, on the condition that he lives with relatives.
Once Juliano arrived, he settled in well with his extended family, who were very liberal in their thinking and in their lifestyle. This brought relief and comfort to Juliano, as he was able to enjoy his freedom and his rights as an adult to do as he pleases. He made plenty of friends at university and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know people from different cultures. He was an active member of the student union, organising events and participating in campaigns.
Juliano was never encouraged to discuss relationships and sex education at home, it was a very much a taboo subject, let alone actually being allowed to have a relationship. Fellow students started to show interest in Juliano, males as well as females. He then embarked on a journey of exploring his own sexuality. After numerous short relationships, he had identified as being bisexual and had many sexual partners over time.
Although Juliano was enjoying his newfound freedom to express his sexuality, he wasn’t always cautious with practicing safe sex, especially when his alcohol intake was high. He would engage in sexual activity without contraception. Juliano was overconfident that he would not be at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or disease, as he had only engaged in unprotected sex just a few times.
By the start of the second year, Juliano was experiencing a range of different symptoms which at first, he ignored as they were flu-like symptoms. Small ulcers started to appear around the genital area, and white patches in the mouth. Juliano was now very afraid and in a lot of pain, he was also feeling embarrassed to seek medical attention. After much deliberation, he decided to go and see the GP. Upon examination, the GP diagnosed Juliano with a syphilis infection. The GP assured Juliano that the infection would clear up with some antibiotics, however, to prevent future infections, using contraceptives and engaging only in safe sex is key. Juliano explained to the GP, that he was relieved, however, he was worried about making permanent changes to his lifestyle, although he could see the benefits, he was unsure whether he would be able to sustain the habit. The GP decided to refer Juliano to the Sexual Health Clinic, to support him to make healthier choices consistently.
End of Case study:

The Assessment Task:

Using the Health Belief Model, firstly explore the motivational behaviours of Juliano associated with engaging in safe sex practices. In your discussions ensure to include relevant illness narratives and the perspectives of diagnosis. Secondly, analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a health intervention for high-risk sexual behaviours. Ensure to provide a coherent argument to support your choice of intervention, with relevant evidence to strengthen and justify your analysis.

Assessment Guidance:

Please use the suggested essay structure below to guide your writing.
• Introduce the topic of sexually transmitted infections/diseases and its long-term health implications.
• Describe the method of diagnosis, and the perspectives of diagnosis relevant to Juliano.
• Discuss relevant illness narratives in reference to Juliano.
• Describe the features and functions of the Health Belief Model.
• Explain the Health Belief Model in relation to Juliano just after his initial diagnosis.
• Analyse a preventative and/or treatment-based intervention for sexually transmitted infections/diseases.
In your analysis ensure to include strengths and weaknesses of the interventions. Discuss its efficacy
and use evidence to support your answers.
• Based on your findings of the Health Belief Model in relation to Juliano, comment on how effective the
selected intervention would be.
• Provide a brief conclusion, summarising key themes.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:
A) Explain fundamental health based psychological theories, diagnostic criteria and relevant medical/psychological interventions
B) Discuss behaviours and role theory in relation to perspectives of diagnosis and
illness narratives.
C) Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of evidence-based health approaches
E) Effectively communicate and argue information clearly and coherently using appropriate academic and referencing conventions appropriate to psychology