Key Findings from Baltimore R.A.R.E. HIV Prevention Project


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4304.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 5:06 PM

Abstract #115449

Rena G. Boss-Victoria, DrPH, MSN, RN, CNS¹, Joy P. Nanda, DSc, MS, MHS², Olugbemiga Ekundayo, MD, MPH, DrPH(C)³, Audrey Zarba, PhD¹, Pierre Vigilance, MD, MPH⁴, and Ludmilla F. Scott, MPH DrPH Candte⁵. (1) Public Health Program, Center for HIV Prevention Evaluation, Policy and Research, Morgan State University, 1700 E Cold Spring Lane, Jenkins Bldg, Room 343, Baltimore, MD 21251, (2) Population and Family Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, (3) Public Health, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Jenkins 343, Baltimore, MD 21251, 443-885-3127, maxima1757@yahoo.com, (4) Baltimore City Health Department, Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Assistant Commissioner, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, (5) Ludimar Consultants, 14804 Cross River Court, Burtonsville, MD 20866-3104

This section describes key findings derived from focused, community small area evaluation using R.A.R.E. methodology.

Environmental mapping Areas observed had high proportions of abandoned residential buildings, empty lots and parking areas. Low levels of normal commercial, educational and economic activity were observed. Hot spot areas were mostly unlit streets, street corners and alleys. Police cars were observed on streets with risk transactions at other streets, empty buildings and parking lots. All hot spots had public phone and transportation access.

Observation findings We observed visible drug use/sale, prostitution, and gambling as actors changed location periodically. Increased activities were observed after school-hours and after sunset. Alcohol and drug paraphernalia were observed. Older people were mostly active during day time. High concentrations of youth activities were observed between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in several hot spots. Hot spots were limited to certain streets in one (West) while they were dispersed in another (East) neighborhood. Hot spot participants were mostly male, except for commercial sex workers who were mostly female. Street intercept Participants intercepted were mostly concerned about stigma, resulting in reluctance to utilize available mobile health care facility.

In-depth interviews Participants emphasized the need to have youth friendly and youth targeted prevention services in addition to economic and educational support.

Focus groups Participants identified few neighborhood prevention service facilities. They identified the most active locations and times for risk behavior activities. Participants indicated that risk behavior actors may utilize prevention services if providers “keep it real” and personnel are neighborhood residents.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

1) Identify measurable findings using each RARE methodology component
2) Develop a list of key findings which may influence policy and program implementation
3) Identify elements of environmental and behavioral mapping using RARE methods.

Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Behavioral Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

DHHS' Rapid Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (RARE) Methodology for HIV/AIDS Prevention Efforts Among Baltimore City Youth

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA