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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Erica Gollub, DrPH, Center for Studies of Addiction, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215-746-7350, elgollub@aol.com
Background : Women-controlled alternatives to the male condom for the prevention of STD/HIV –critical to stemming HIV infections for women -- have been poorly promoted.
Methods: Experience from 4 studies on the hierarchical method of counseling on women-controlled methods of HIV/STD prevention will be discussed. The study populations represent: HIV+, low-income patients, and nursing staff , in Harlem; STD clinic patients in Philadelphia, and former, and active, substance users in Philadelphia. Data on interest in and use of female condoms (FC), diaphragms and cervical caps, and spermicides, will be presented. A woman-focussed, small-group intervention comprising intimate discussions of reproductive anatomy and sexuality was well-liked at all 4 sites. Pre-intervention barrier use was low. Use of the FC (56%-86%) and spermicide use (25% – 61%) rose substantially post intervention sessions. Interest in cervical barriers was notable, especially when access issues were addressed.
Conclusions: Substantial health provider skepticism often accompanied the undertaking of these studies (ie. “Black women won’t touch themselves”). The damaging and persistent role of provider bias and provider’s own lack of comfort with the body and sexuality must be addressed in intervention programs. Women at high risk of infection are eager to try life-saving alternatives especially where they can share experiences with other women without judgement.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, STD Prevention
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.