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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Marilyn John, MS, Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative, New York City Department of Health, 125 Worth Street, Rm. 222 Box A/1, New York, NY 10013, 212-767-2355, mjohn@health.nyc.gov
This presentation will describe the design and implementation of a female condom education and distribution program in New York City. The success of this program has led to initiative in other states to replicate such a program. Research has shown that with correct and consistent use, the female condom is as effective as other barrier methods. Women are becoming infected with HIV at a very rapid rate, therefore prevention is a key issue in stemming new infections. Since the female condom is a relatively new product it is imperative that training is an integral part of any distribution program. Designing an effective female condom education and distribution program requires several key elements: (1) incorporation of empirical research findings on the female condom and female condom use; (2) an understanding of how HIV/AIDS impacts women’s health; (3) an understanding of the sociocultural demographics of the region/community in which the program will be based; (4) the impact of HIV/AIDS in that region/community, culturally, socially, politically and economically; (5) and close collaboration and involvement with key community planning boards and related service agencies. Once this is done, developing a model reflective of all of these critical components is key. Finally, pilot interventions based on the model are implemented with careful monitoring and evaluation.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Women and HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.