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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

J. Gary Linn, PhD, School of Nursing, Tennessee State University, 1406 Beechwood Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212, 615-297-1354, jlinn87844@aol.com

This study tested the effectiveness of the SEXG, an intervention protocol that was effective in changing the sexual practices of sexually active African American men with mental illness in New York City, with a similar population in Middle Tennessee. These individuals are at high risk for contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Participants for the experimental and control groups were recruited from the psychiatric men's programs in two community shelters. Baseline assessments were conducted with both groups. The experimental group participated in six educational sessions where content was presented about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and how to prevent the spread of these diseases. Results indicated that the intervention was effective in reducing risky sexual behaviors. These findings may contribute to the reduction in the spread of HIV and AIDS through increased knowledge regarding prevention of infection. There is a need to include homeless mentally ill men in programs to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS and the associated health care costs. Two important lessons learned from this project are (1) that it is difficult to carry out effective prevention education programs in conservative southern communities and (2) it is also difficult to maintain contact with homeless mentally ill participants even when they are based in homeless facilities.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation, participants will have a greater awareness of (
• the need for effective HIV prevention education in homeless minority populations, (
• an effective strategy for conducting HIV prevention education among homeless mintority males, and (
• obstacles to maintaining risk reduction behavior among homeless mentally ill minority males.

Keywords: Homelessness, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No