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

Abstract #72114

Jeffrey Cole Bailey, MPH, Health Education & Prevention, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1125 N. McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90038, 323-860-7328, Jeffcoleb@hotmail.com

Individuals diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) share one or more common risk factors with persons diagnosed with HIV infection. However, traditional approaches to screening and delivering HIV and STD health education interventions have historically existed separately. The recent syphilis outbreak among MSMs in major urban areas across the United States indicates that there needs to be greater integration of HIV, STD and Hepatitis screening and education.

The proposed presentation will explore preliminary findings from a multiple morbidity demonstration project in the County of Los Angeles targeting MSM in a large urban area. POW!, Prevention on Wheels, is a program of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center that commenced outreach-based HIV Counseling and Testing and STD/Hepatitis screening in the fall of 2002. Preliminary data from initial encounter data revealed that (43%) of the respondents reported having sex with someone of unknown HIV status and (16%) of participants reported practicing unprotected receptive anal sex. Moreover, not self-disclosing HIV status, not asking partner’s HIV status, consuming alcohol, smoking marijuana, and being HIV negative were found to be predictors for having unprotected anal sex.

Findings presented will explore results of an integrated approach to screening for HIV, STDs and Hepatitis utilizing a uniform counseling protocol and through the initial assessment of risk through a hand-held electronic device. Findings will additionally report on how clients and counselors integrate anonymous HIV counseling and testing with confidential STD screening and what impact this has upon increasing returns rates in an outreach-based setting.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the presentation, participants in the session will be able to identify how hand-held electronic devises may be utilized to assess HIV/STD and Hepatitis risk behaviors.
• At the conclusion of the presentation, particapnts in the session will be able to analyze preliminary results and lessons learned from a multiple morbidiity demonstration project integrating HIV/STD and Hepatitis screening and education.

Keywords: HIV Interventions, 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.