AEGiS-15IAC: HIV/AIDS preventive interventions among FSWs in Yerevan.

15th International AIDS Conference


Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

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HIV/AIDS preventive interventions among FSWs in Yerevan.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. C10208)

Manukyan AV, Grigoryan SR, Hakobyan AZ
Armenian National AIDS prevention Center, Yerevan, Armenia

ISSUES: New approach was applied in the implementation of preventive activities among FSWs in Yerevan city, the capital of Armenia. Group of FSWs was formed to be provided with outreach work and peer education. Baseline data were obtained. The questioning carried out after the implementation of preventive showed changes in the FSWs knowledge and behaviour.

DESCRIPTION: In 2003 HIV prevention activities were carried out among 150 FSWs in Yerevan. Baseline survey was conducted to assess the awareness on HIV/AIDS of those FSWs covered by the prevention activities. Peer educators and outreach workers were trained and activities on outreach work and peer education were carried out among the FSWs and their clients. The information/education materials disseminated by outreach workers and peer educators had been developed taking into consideration results of the baseline survey as well as opinion of the focus group. That had made the information more accessible and understandable for the target group. Peer educators and outreach workers disseminated condoms among the FSWs. Besides, harm reduction activities were implemented. The FSWs were also provided with HIV testing. Behavioral survey conducted at the end of the activities implementation showed the FSWs behaviour change, increasing their awareness. The number of those applying to VCT had significantly increased.

LESSONS LEARNED: Involvement of the target group representatives into such kind of activities allows reaching drastic changes in the situation for a short period of time.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The results of the prevention activities implementation has shown that similar activities carrying out in other regions would allow reducing HIV prevalence rate among FSWs in Armenia.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Condoms, Prevalence, Peer Group, Behavior, Research, Armenia, Humans, education

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C10208

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