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

Abstract #117482

M. Isabel Fernandez, PhD¹, Jacob C. Warren, BS, BS², Leah Varga, MA², Cesar de Fuentes, BA¹, and G. Stephen Bowen, MD, MPH³. (1) Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, 954-262-1400, mariafer@nova.edu, (2) Dept Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, (3) College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328

Introduction: Use of club drugs and the risky sex that frequently co-occurs are contributing to the rise of HIV infection among Hispanic MSM (HMSM). Furthermore, Hispanics are being diagnosed later in the course of HIV infection than Whites and they were more likely than any other ethnic group to develop AIDS within12 months of HIV diagnosis in 2002. To reduce these disparities, tailored preventive interventions, as well as innovative approaches to foster HMSM's engagement in these interventions are needed. This study compares two strategies (Internet chatrooms with face-to-face at public venues) for recruiting HMSM while gathering the data necessary to develop a preventive intervention. Method: We used time and space sampling to recruit participants. Staff approached potential participants, conducted preliminary eligibility screens and referred eligible men to our community sites for screening and enrollment. Participants completed an audio-computer assisted self-interview. Results: We enrolled 544 HMSM; 294 from the Internet and 250 face-to-face. Significantly more men recruited through the Internet reported being HIV seropositive than those recruited face-to-face (÷21 df = 6.012, p = 0.014). In the last six months, use of drugs and risky sexual behavior were high; 45.7% of Internet recruits and 40% of face-to-face recruits had used club drugs. Use of club drugs was significantly associated with unprotected anal sex. Other factors contributing to this association will be presented. Conclusion: The Internet is a promising venue for engaging HMSM. Its potential to assist with reducing existing disparities associated with HIV disease in this population will be discussed.

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