Saez HV, Valencia E; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. D11316.
Reinier van Arkel GGz s-Hertogenbosch, s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
ISSUES: In NYC minority women constitute the fastest growing group for contracting HIV. Female controlled methods for STD's /HIV prevention, usually, are not available to minority women. We explored their need and acceptability among inner city Latinas in NYC. DESCRIPTION: We developed a Spanish preventive intervention - Latina's Choice -focusing on women controlled methods. It is a 1-hour session provided by trained Latina facilitators. It includes discussion on reproductive anatomy and physiology, viewing a video on STD's/HIV prevention methods, demonstrations using pelvic and penile models, and choosing a barrier method and getting prevention supplies. We provided the intervention to 28 women in small groups in living rooms, social clubs and churches. We tested a 10 minutes pre-intervention self-administered questionnaire and a 10 minutes 3 weeks post-intervention telephone interview. All women completed the intervention and assessments. They were mostly Dominican immigrants (80%) who were in USA for over10 years (82%). Their average age was 40 years. The majority was home maker (57%), married (53%) and without high school (60%), 18% was divorced. Most women reported a preference to use a barrier method for protection (85%) against STD/HIV. However, the majority indicated that their partners prefer not to use any method of protection (61%). LESSONS LEARNED: It is feasible to carry out and assess preventive interventions among inner city Latinas in NYC. It seems that acceptance of any method is influenced by the knowledge women have about their reproductive anatomy and physiology, its use is influenced by cultural defined barriers (passive role in sex, contraceptive use, etc) and use of covert methods (not detected during intercourse) is preferred. RECOMMENDATIONS: Introduction of women controlled methods for preventing STD's/HIV must be done in a culturally suitable manner by trained interventionists.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Caribbean Region
- Feasibility Studies
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Hispanic Americans
- Humans
- Pilot Projects
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- methods
Other ID:
UI: 102253324
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