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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Jose Nanin, EdD, CHES, Center for HIV Eduational Studies and Training (CHEST), Kingsborough Community College, City Univeristy of New York, 2001 Oriental Boulevard, Room G-307, Brooklyn, NY 11235, 7183685705, jnanin@kbcc.cuny.edu, David Bimbi, Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), Hunter College, City University of New York, 250 West 26th Street, Suite 300, New York, NY 10001, and Jeffrey T. Parsons, PhD, Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), Hunter College, 250 West 26th St., Suite 300, New York, NY 10009.

Objectives: To assess reactions to innovative syphilis campaign among MSM in Los Angeles. Background: The "Stop the Sores" campaign featuring a character named Phil the Syphilis sore was adopted by several communities across the U.S in response to an increase in prevalence among MSM. However, the effectiveness of this campaign is unknown. Methods: In fall 2004, 564 men, age 18 to 74 (M=39), from LA county completed surveys assessing their exposure to the campaign, related attitudes, and syphilis testing as a result. Most men were white (53.2%) and self reported being HIV negative (78.7%). Overall 7.8% of the men reported ever having syphilis and HIV+ men were more likely to report such. Results: More than half (58.5%) reported seeing the campaign and HIV+ men were more likely to have seen it. No racial differences were observed in campaign exposure, however men between the ages of 30 and 50 were most likely to have seen the campaign. The majority had positive attitudes about the campaign, however only 40% agreed that they wanted to speak with friends about the campaign; men of color were about twice as likely to have agreed with this statement compared to white men. Finally, about half (47.3%) of the men exposed to the campaign reported being tested for syphilis as a result regardless of age or race. Conclusions: "Stop the Sores" appears to be effective with this population, regardless of race/ethnicity, however outreach efforts to younger and older MSM may need to be increased.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to

• Discuss the rise in syphilis rates among MSM in Los Angeles;
• Identify ways that HIV serostatus is related to exposure to this syphilis prevention campaign; and
• Discuss how this prevention campaign was received by the MSM community in Los Angeles.

Keywords: STD Prevention, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation