Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Windows - October 2, 2008
Dana Rudolph, contributing writer
Marulanda, Prevention and Education Case Manager at LHI, will be facilitating the sessions, using a combination of teaching and discussion. He hopes to answer people's questions about STD/HIV risk reduction and prevention, show them the different choices they have, and offer strategies for negotiating these issues with sexual partners. He says Latino men are often reluctant to talk about sexual behavior and topics like the use of condoms and lubrication. "It's a real challenge for me," he admitted. He notes, however, that after previous courses, the men involved would call him to ask further questions or to stop by and pick up condoms and lube from LHI, indicating that his work is having an effect.
The incidence of STD's and HIV among communities of color is disproportionately high, says Marulanda. In 2006, the incidence of chlamydia was 13.2 times higher among the Latino population than the white population, gonorrhea was 10.4 times higher, and syphilis was 10.4 times higher. Men who have sex with other men (MSM) and do not use protection are a particularly high-risk group for syphilis. In 2006, 72 percent of the 218 reported cases of syphilis in Massachusetts were among MSM. Of them, 46 percent disclosed that they were also infected with HIV.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), furthermore, reports that Hispanic/Latino people have the second highest rate of AIDS diagnoses (after black people) for adults and adolescents in all racial and ethnic groups. In 2006, Hispanic/Latino people accounted for 19 percent of new AIDS diagnoses and 19 percent of all people living with AIDS in the U.S., although they made up only 15 percent of the population The most common cause of HIV infection among Hispanic/Latino men is having sex with men.
In addition to offering information and insight about STDs and HIV, the 3MV group is also "a good opportunity to meet people" for friendship and community, Marulanda said. He expects eight to twelve participants, but has no set limit. One strong indication that the social aspect is important is that LHI will provide dinner during the sessions. Marulanda emphasizes this will be more than just pizza and hot dogs, and be based on people's preferences each week. LHI will keep participants informed of other institute events, too, which they are welcome to attend. Marulanda also hopes people will tell friends what they have learned and where they can get help if they need it.
The goal is not to lecture people, he stressed. "We don't say here, you have to do this, don't do that. ... We just explain to people. We just give people the tools. They decide to take it or not."
The once-a-week sessions will be conducted completely in Spanish. Participants will receive a $50 incentive if they complete all six sessions. The program runs Oct. 16- Nov. 20, and will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the LHI offices, 95 Berkeley St.
Those who want to participate should contact Alfredo Marulanda at 617.350.6900, ext. 174, or 617.778.1174.
###
Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian, a blog and resource directory for LGBT parents. She can be reached at drudolph@mombian.com.
081002
BY081001
Copyright © 2008 - Bay Windows. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through Bay Windows - ..
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
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.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .