Arauz R, Ortells P, Morales A, Guevara M, Shedlin M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 487 (abstract no. Pub.D.1317).
Fundacion Nimehuatzin, Managua, Nicaragua. Fax: (505-2) 786534.
Objective: To obtain information on the attitudes and behaviors of the country's high risk behavior groups to develop AIDS prevention education and communication strategies for the country. Methods: Fifteen focus groups and sixty six in-depth interviews were carried out with female sex workers, clients of sex workers, gay-identifying men, and men who have sex with men (MSMs) who do not identify as gay in Managua and three port cities; Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas and Corinto. These cities represented coverage of the English-speaking Black and indigenous Miskito populations of the country. Results: In addition to obtaining information on the attitudes and behaviors of high risk behavior groups, the research identified and provided detail on such issues as: 1) power relations and patterns of negotiation and payment for sex by clients of female sex workers and by homosexuals to "straight" men; 2) the underestimated importance of poverty, confidence and "almost" (doing something) as risk factors in disease transmission; 3) the influence of the churches on homophobia and the stigmatization of homosexuality; 4) the "real" behaviors of men considered "activo" (insertive) and "pasivo" (receptive) and implications for disease transmission; 5) the apparent demand, practice and acceptability of anal sex in Nicaraguan society; and 6) the danger of using with a "closed group" concept. Conclusions: This research identified cultural norms, behaviors and practices which will cause HIV to be spread to the general population as well as within high-risk behavior groups. The data illustrate that attention must be focused on the borders and seaports where Nicaragua meets the world, as well as on the bi-sexual bridge between the gay and heterosexual communities. Utilizing this group- and country- specific information, prevention planning and interventions can address both the context of risk behaviors as well as their practice.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- African Americans
- Behavior
- Female
- Focus Groups
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Male
- Humans
- Male
- Nicaragua
- Prostitution
- Qualitative Research
- Risk Factors
- Risk-Taking
- Sexual Behavior
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102221654
From Meeting Abstracts