Szterenfeld C, Peterson C; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: D501 (abstract no. PoD 5672).
Health in Prostitution Project, Institute of Religious Studies (ISER), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
ISSUE/PROBLEM: Long-term impact of AIDS prevention depends on raising self-esteem and organizational and vindicative capacity of groups at higher risk of infection. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: The Health in Prostitution Project has produced STD/AIDS prevention materials aimed at prostitution designed to include the group's codes of communication and has ensured their targeted distribution through a network of 15 community-based health workers (13 women and 2 transvestites- currently or formerly engaged in sex work) representing the widest possible range of street prostitution areas in Rio de Janeiro. Health workers distribute 24,000 condoms/month plus educational materials on health prevention directly reaching some 2,000 women and 200 transvestites. They receive basic training on STD/AIDS prevention and treatment and meet weekly to exchange information and receive continuous training on women's health. RESULTS: Health workers report increased interest on/use of condoms by sex workers reached by the Project. They estimate that a change of behavior regarding condom use took place due to: 1. greater access to information on safe sex; 2. increase of self-esteem through one-to-one contacts, and 3. increase of arguments for negotiating safe sex. LESSONS LEARNED: The process proved effective in raising the health workers own self-esteem, a key element for their capacity to mobilize their peers.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Behavior
- Communication
- Community Health Aides
- Condoms
- Female
- Health
- Health Planning
- Humans
- Infection
- Peer Group
- Prostitution
- Research
- Safe Sex
- Self Concept
- Teaching
- United States
- education
- manpower
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102200855
From Meeting Abstracts