Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Evaluating an AIDS sexual risk reduction program for young adults in public night schools in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
AIDS. 1997 Sep;11 Suppl 1:S121-7. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE /MED98025858 Antunes MC; Stall RD; Paiva V; Peres CA; Paul J; Hudes M; Hearst N; AIDS Prevention Studies Nucleus (NEPAIDS), Institute of Psychology,; University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: To describe sexual risk for HIV infection among adult night school students in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and to evaluate the effect of an HIV/AIDS prevention workshop to reduce sexual risk. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted among four demographically similar public night schools in the inner city of Sao Paulo. Schools were randomized into intervention and control conditions. Of 394 young adults who took part in the baseline survey, 304 (77%) completed a postintervention questionnaire. INTERVENTIONS: In a workshop consisting of four sessions of 3 h each, the students discussed AIDS symbolism, the impact of AIDS on their lives, risk perception, the way in which sexual norms shape knowledge and attitudes, AIDS-related knowledge, reproduction and sexual pleasure, and condom use negotiation. We fostered community-building through AIDS training courses for teachers in the schools, peer support programs and public events. RESULTS: At baseline, 87% had been sexually active at some time and 76% had had sex in the past 6 months. Among those who reported vaginal intercourse and/or anal intercourse, condom use was low. The workshops were positively process-evaluated and supported by the community, the students, their teachers and their parents. We obtained statistically significant effects from the workshops for females only, who reported improved communication with partners about sex and AIDS and less unprotected sex with non-monogamous partners after the intervention. CONCLUSION: These data show that the sexual risk of HIV infection can be lowered when Brazilian disenfranchized communities support AIDS prevention workshops. Even more impressive results may be achieved if the need to address socioeconomic obstacles and gendered sexual roles is emphasized through further long-term community development programs.
Keywords: *Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PREVENTION & CONTROL *Health Education *Sex Behavior 980130
M9811053
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
