French R, Power R, Mitchell S, Dockrell M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 905 (abstract no. 43293).
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, University College London Medical School, UK.
BACKGROUND: The most extensive year to year evaluation of PSE outreach work in the UK has come from Gay Men Fighting AIDS' (GMFA) Hampstead Heath Project, which is a peer-led HIV prevention and safer sex education campaign. It is a nighttime service run by volunteers. Condom packs and safer sex literature are distributed by volunteers or are available from illuminated 'glowboxes'. This research was an external process evaluation of the intervention. METHODS: Data were collected through surveys of Gay and bisexual men in a variety of settings (n = 871). In-depth interviews (n = 38) were conducted with PSE users, professionals working within the broad field of Gay men and health promotion, and GMFA volunteers and workers. Observational data were collected during volunteer shifts. RESULTS: Hampstead Heath is predominantly used by Gay-identified men aged between 20-49 years. A wide range of health promotion needs were reported, including: cruising safety, safer sex information and provision of condoms. There was evidence of unprotected anal intercourse taking place. A total of 100,088 condoms were distributed over the intervention's five month period (at weekends an average of 430 per night). The commitment of the volunteers played a vital role in the delivery of the intervention. GMFA's established identity and peer emphasis made it acceptable to the target group. The Heath Project provided an efficient, valued and cost-effective health promotion service. The evaluation highlighted the need for such interventions in PSEs as men were still putting themselves at risk of acquiring STDs and HIV infection, despite being aware of health promotion messages. Consideration should be given to the wider application of its model in other PSEs.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Bisexuality
- Condoms
- Environment
- Evaluation Studies
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Promotion
- Homosexuality, Male
- Humans
- Male
- Peer Group
- Safe Sex
- Work
- methods
- prevention & control
Other ID:
UI: 102231459
From Meeting Abstracts