 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
|
| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Paul A. Gilbert, MS, Department of Health and Social Behavior, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, 415-563-5396, PublicHealthPaul@yahoo.com
The mission of the STOP AIDS Project is to prevent HIV transmission among gay and bisexual men in San Francisco. The agency conducts a number of prevention activities, including programming for youth as well as for older men. However, there are no activities specifically targeting men “in the middle” (i.e. too old for youth services and too young for elder services). Indeed there exists little information about the prevention needs of men 25 to 45 years old. Over the summer of 2002, STOP AIDS Project conducted a preliminary investigation of the HIV prevention needs of gay and bisexual men in this age range.
A number of rapid appraisal techniques were used to gather information quickly, accurately, and at low cost to determine the needs and perceptions of this population. Methods included a literature review, in-depth interviews of key opinion leaders, and a survey of the target population.
Research findings supported the importance of recognizing generational differences, addressing substance use, pursuing internet-based prevention, and using a holistic approach to counter prevention fatigue. Findings are being used to help shape new prevention activities.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: STOP AIDS Project of San Francisco
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.