209099 How about this angle?: A syndemic view of HIV/STI risk among adult film stars

Monday, November 9, 2009: 4:35 PM

Candace D. Sibley, BA, CRCS , Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Background: Few researchers have investigated HIV risk among Adult Film stars, from both anthropological and public health perspectives. This pilot project examines the context which surrounds and heightens HIV/STI risk among adult films stars

Methods: Participants were gathered through the use of a key informant. The data was collected through using a mixed methods approach. The qualitative portion of the study included ethnographic interviews which centered on HIV risk specific to the adult film industry. The qualitative interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded from significant themes. The project utilized two different quantitative surveys according to gender both centered on issues including HIV status, number and type of STI. The female survey included questions surrounding birth control, while the men's survey centered on use of Viagra and Cavarject.

Results: Significant themes included hegemony, HIV risk reduction methods, condom use, drug use, and sex on screen vs. sex off screen. All individuals in the study had repeat STI infections which heightened risk for HIV.The themes were analyzed using a syndemic theoretical framework which observes “the interaction of diseases or other health problems commonly arise because of adverse social conditions (e.g., poverty, stigmatization, oppressive social relationships) that put socially devalued groups at heightened risk” (Singer et al, 2006).

Conclusion: The findings give insight to sociocultural factors which function to increase HIV/STI risk and are the main culprits for the asymmetric burden on STI's of adult film stars.Researchers must acknowledge the unique syndemic of adult film stars to create culturally appropriate interventions.

Learning Objectives:
1.) Identify the differences in HIV risk for adult film actors and actresses 2.)Explain the rationale for the use of ethnographic methods to help create interventions appropriate to the occupational culture of the adult film industry 3) Describe the top risks for both HIV/STI's among adult film stars 4)Differentiate HIV risk for adult film stars from other sex workers 5) Analyze how contexual factors interact to heighten HIV risk in this population

Keywords: Sex Workers, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am public health master's student who has experience working with HIV+ and HIV at risk vulnerable populations. My research has included both anthropological and public health perspectives, as a result I bring a unique view to investigating an understudied population like adult film stars. I was also involved in the data collection,and analysis for this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Improving Sexual Health in the U.S
See more of: APHA-Student Assembly