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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Biesse Diakaridja Soura, Global Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, 770 235 3249, bsoura@sph.emory.edu

Issues: Over the last few years HIV/AIDS issues have become a deep concern for all ivoirians. The prevalence rate is 7% with around 1,000,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. Street children are among the vulnerable groups. A survey showed that they still have problems to identify HIV/AIDS ways of transmission, prevention methods; and furthermore they practice at risk sex sometimes with prostitutes. They are most of the time faced with STDs and HIV/AIDS. Therefore, a program based on behavior modification has been implemented. Description: This program involved 15 street children with the goal of sexual behavior modification. Based on focus group and psychological techniques (person-centered therapy), the program was made up of two sessions. The first was an interview with each child about sexual habit, knowledge of STDs and HIV/AIDS. The 2nd session consisted of group discussions and role play about STDs, HIV/AIDS, the transmission ways, the prevention methods, the at risk conduct, and condom uses. The implementation lasted three (3) months and half. Lesson learned: A dramatic change in these children sexual behavior was noted: 11 abstain while 4 are using condoms in a regular basis. Street children have at risk sexual behavior due to their ignorance about STDs including HIV/AIDS. Psychological methods used appropriately allowed effective changing in their sexual habits. They all served as peer educators. Recommendations: Street kids are neglected in HIV prevention. We need to involve them by empowering their capabilities to decide.

Learning Objectives:

• An approach to reach street children and to address their sexual health issues.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Child/Adolescent

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered