The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58428

Matt G. Mutchler, PhD¹, Miguel Chion, MD, MPH¹, Rita Mistry, MPH², and Antony Stately, PhD³. (1) Education, AIDS Project Los Angeles, 3550 Wilshire, #300, Los Angeles, CA 90010, 213.201.1522, mmutchler@apla.org, (2) Education/Research and Evaluation, AIDS Project Los Angeles, 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010, (3) Client Services, AIDS Project Los Angeles, 3550 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Background: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has funded five Prevention for HIV-Infected Persons Program (PHIPP) demonstration projects. POWER, a Prevention Case Management (PCM) project, provides primary HIV prevention services. Very little is known about the efficacy of such projects. Our objectives are: (1) to present preliminary HIV risk behavior data, and (2) to discuss evaluation lessons learned. Methods: Data were collected during 2001 and 2002 by PCM staff via interviews with clients. Indicators for HIV risk behaviors include: unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse (UAVI), condom use, STD status, and substance use. Frequency reports were generated on demographic and HIV risk behavior indicators for baseline data (N=54) using SPSS. Written comments on program evaluation challenges and successes were recorded and analyzed to identify qualitative themes for lessons learned. Results: The racial/ethnic breakdown of participants in the baseline survey was: 50% white, 28.8% Latino, 15.4% African-American, and 5.7% ‘other’. 58.3% of PCM participants reported unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse (UAVI). Significant differences were not found between baseline and 3-month follow-up data on HIV risk behaviors. Clients may be more likely to report HIV risk behaviors at initial follow-up because they are more comfortable with staff. Additional qualitative themes include: screening protocol, integrating prevention and care services, and establishing evaluation objective norms. Conclusions: PCM clients report behaviors that may be transmitting HIV to their sexual partners. The PCM intervention is establishing rapport between staff and clients that may lead to changes in behaviors to be analyzed via 6-month follow-up surveys.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will understand methods used to evaluate PCM services.
• Participants will be able to identify lessons learned from evaluations of PCM services.
• Participants will learn about HIV risk behaviors and HIV risk reduction behaviors reported by PCM clients.

Keywords: Evaluation, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: AIDS Project Los Angeles
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employee