Objectives: Project Quest, a program of the South Beach AIDS Project (SoBAP), requested the assistance of public health graduate students at Florida International University in order to develop appropriate evaluation methods of MSMs in South Beach, Florida. Students were required to learn via first-hand field experience, the utilization and application of formative, process and impact evaluation methods in the development of HIV/AIDS prevention programming. Methods: A survey was developed and distributed six months after the piloting of prevention activities among young MSMs between the ages of 18 and 29. MSMs were surveyed on two different occasions utilizing a central location method for locating respondents. Data was analyzed utilizing SPSS statistical software utilizing frequencies, chi-square, cross-tabs and other basic statistical techniques. Results: A preliminary discussion of findings was held with SoBAP, funders and community members. A draft report was prepared utilizing student’s findings which was presented to funders and SoBAP. Evaluation results were utilized in the continuation of Project Quest as well as the basis of continued graduate evaluation exercises at Florida International University. Conclusions: Both Latinos and Non-Latino MSMs engaged in a high degree of risky sexual behavior while intoxicated or high. Twenty-two percent of the MSMs between 18 and 29 years of age practiced unsafe sex during the period in question. Educational level and relationship status are not strong indicators of the possibility of engaging in high-risk UAI. Young MSMs are observant and open to information about HIV/AIDS and read a variety of publications / access a variety of channels of communication.
Learning Objectives: During this session, speakers will explain the differences between formative, process and impact evaluations in relation to the Quest Project. Speakers will review the procedures that were utilized for involving MSMs in a primarily transient, vacation community. Speakers will discuss continued research in the South Beach community of Miami, Florida. During this session, graduate students will provide feedback on the pitfalls commonly encountered in community, student research projects
Keywords: Education, Evaluation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Florida International University, Department of Public Health, Miami, Florida (Research Institution)
South Beach AIDS Project, Miami, Florida (Community Based Organization)
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.