Stanton J, Ardila HA, Mejia AD, Penuela AM, Calderon JL; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 908-9 (abstract no. 43312).
LCLCS, Bogota, Columbia.
BACKGROUND: Reduce the sexual transmission of HIV in Gay men and other men who have sex with men in Bogota, Colombia. METHODS: Train 200 "multipliers" on sexuality and HIV/AIDS and provide them with the tools to multiply the acquired information in their social networks. Each "multiplier" receives an 8-hour training not only on HIV/AIDS, but also on communication skills. Each "multiplier" is given a "tool box" with 15 posters (5 on oral sex, prevalence of HIV and safer sex in stable relationships), 40 leaflets (20 on safer sex, 20 on oral sex), 1 safer sex video, 20 safer sex guides based on the video, 20 reports on the 1995 KABP study, 100 condoms and lubricant. All materials are designed by members of Project LAMBDA with the participation of other Gay men from the community. One month after the training, a follow-up session is organized with the "multipliers" to discuss their experiences and difficulties and explain uncertainties on HIV/AIDS which may have remained. During the campaign, Project LAMBDA volunteers do outreach work in bars, clubs, saunas, etc. to distribute information and promote participation in the workshops. From Nov. 1997 to Feb. 1988, a KABP was applied. RESULTS: During the campaign, over 200 gay men were trained, 9,000 posters, 20,000 leaflets, 10,000 safer sex guides, 5,000 KABP study reports and 200,000 condoms and lubricants were distributed in the Gay meeting places. Results of the post-tests filled out by the "multipliers" showed an increase in knowledge on HIV/AIDS, more security to negotiate safer sex with their partners, and resolve to always practice safer sex. Results of the KABP study from 1997-8 will be compared to the ones from 1995-6 to measure changes in the community. CONCLUSIONS: As always seems to be the case, recruitment was one of the major challenges since most gay men are tired of hearing about HIV and would prefer to ignore it. Other social activities had to be offered to gay men to attend the workshops to make it more attractive. HIV/AIDS project for Gay men have to make greater and greater efforts to offer alternate (and innovative) activities to the community. It is a challenge to convince funders as to their necessity in resource-poor environments.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Colombia
- Condoms
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Homosexuality, Male
- Humans
- Interpersonal Relations
- Male
- Prevalence
- Safe Sex
- Sexual Behavior
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102231477
From Meeting Abstracts