Didiez N, Arbaje M, Rosario S, Guerrero E, De Moya EA, Troncoso I; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 816 (abstract no. M.E.0.11).
PROCETS, Ministry of Public Health, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
OBJECTIVE: To show how folklore and religious feelings can be used in order to promote participation in the struggle against AIDS, community organization and condom use adoption among Haitian migrant agricultural workers in the Dominican Republic. METHODS: A Haitian Creole-spoken AIDS prevention program was launched in July 1988 by the Ministry of Public Health and the Dominican Institute for Social Security focused on migrant agricultural workers in the sugar mill fields. Pre/and post intervention CAP studies are carried out in each community. Intervention comprises mobile units and local radio stations emission of AIDS prevention messages, formation and training of community health committees, collective baptism of the condom during yearly Easter Gaga rites, and universal availability of subsidized condoms at grocery stores. RESULTS: Pre/and post intervention CAP studies show a significant increase in the levels of awareness of AIDS and in condom use adoption. Eighty-eight health committees have been formed in order to consolidate and amplify the gains through interpersonal influence. The baptism of the condom in Gaga rites incorporates its use into culturally accepted behavior. CONCLUSION: Cultural understanding and respect of the mores and beliefs of Haitian migrant workers has brought about an enthusiastic response on their part to the AIDS prevention program.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Agriculture
- Caribbean Region
- Condoms
- Culture
- Demography
- Dominican Republic
- Folklore
- Haiti
- Transients and Migrants
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102180208
From Meeting Abstracts