Abstracts Vol. 1 [International Conference on AIDS (11th: 1996: Vancouver, Canada)]

Track D: Social Science: Research, Policy & Action
Conclusions: This exploratory study underlined the devastating developmental and psychological consequences of"off-time" multiple losses on these men. If these findings hold true
for other uninfected gay men, this underrepresented population appears entangled in a
recurring cycle of loss. Supportive interventions relevant to the unique psychosocial needs
of uninfected gay men are suggested. Future research is indicated on the effectiveness of
such interventions in assisting uninfected gay men in their personal battles with HIV/AIDS.
Bruce Kellerhouse, 354 West I 8th Street, New York, NY I001 1 USA Telephone: (2 I 2) 924 -3293
Tu.D.2957
HIV-RISK PERCEPTIONS AND BEHAVIORS AMONG SELF-IDENTIFIED LESBIAN AND
BI-SEXUAL WOMEN AT A SMALL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE
Dugdale, Sherri L. Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO, USA.
Objective: To examine HIV-risk perception, HIV-testing practices, and sexual behavior
among self-identified lesbian and bi-sexual women at a small liberal arts college.
Methods: A survey of 88 female college students, representing approximately 3% of overall
female enrollment (2,360) was administered in numerous classes and campus organizations.
The survey instrument was a 21I-item questionnaire eliciting demographic data, sexual practices, and perceptions of HIV-risk. A seven-point scale was used to rate sexual orientation
and self-knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
Results: The respondents ranged in age from I 8 to 55 (mean = 33). Six percent of respondents defined themselves as lesbian, 3% defined themselves in-between lesbian and bi-sexual, 6% defined themselves as bi-sexual, 30% defined themselves in-between bi-sexual and
heterosexual, and 56% defined themselves as heterosexual.When asked about their sexual
histories in the last year none of the self-defined lesbians reported having intercourse with
men, whereas 7 I% of the respondents who were in-between lesbian and heterosexual (2
through 6 on the scale) reported intercourse with only men in the last year and I 2%
reported sexual contact with both men and women. Of those 12%, only 25% reported
using a latex barrier the last time they had sexual contact. When asked if lesbians were at
risk for contracting HIV, 23% of all respondents either answered no or were unaware of a
mode of HIV-transmission other than through blood transfusions.
Conclusions: The range of self-definitions of sexual identity has important implications for
HIV-risk behaviors.The underlaying assumption that women do not transfer HIV to each
other through sexual contact leads to a false sense of security among lesbian and bi-sexual
women. More research of HIV transmission between women is needed to facilitate better
education and intervention programs that target lesbian and bi-sexual women.
S.L. Dugdale, PO. Box 585, Durango, Colorado, 8 I 302 USA.Tel: [phone] email: [email protected]
Tu.D.2958
SEXUAL WORKSHOP
Duchesneau, lean. MIELS-Qudbec, Quebec, Canada
The issue: Gay and bisexual men run a high risk of contracting HIV, because nobody can
reach them with normal preventive and educational programs.
The project: To provide gay and bisexual men better knowledge of safe sex and how to
control of their own sex habits. During four meetings, they will receive information about
low risk sexual habits and safer means of protection, learn to develop positive attitudes and
skills to negotiate with their partner and eroticize their safe sexual behavior, introduce selfesteem, self-affirmation and communication during their homosexual relations.
The results: Each workshop was given twice, was received with a great interest and produced remarkable changes in attitudes and behavior. After the workshop, each participant
gave a good assessment of the content and the usefulness of the workshop that allowed
them to be informed and to develop self-confidence about their own sexual behavior.
The information received was judicious and useful; activities were diversified, making it possible fully understand.
Lessons learned: It is very important and necessary to talk about self-esteem, self-affirmation and communication.This will help to spread the prevention message to gay and bisexual men.
Jean Duchesneau, Miels-Quebec, 175 rue Saint-Jean local 200. Quebec, Canada. G I R I N4
Tel:(4 I 8)649-1720 Fax:(4 I 8)649- I 256
Tu.D.2959
THE PERCEPTION OF DISCRIMINATION IN THE HIV POLICY AMONG CZECH
GAY MEN
Prochzka, Ivoy, Weiss, P Institute of Sexology Charles University Prague,The Czech
Republic
Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the perception of discrimination in the Czech
national HIV policy among gay men.
Method: The anonymous questionnaires were published in the gay journal in November1995 and 19 I respondents, filled them and returned back.Their assessment of discrimination in the HIV policy and other life activities were ranked in 5-points scale.
Results: Assumed discimination in the HIV policy was found to be one of the lowest one.
Twenty-two percent of respondents did not evaluate the level of discrimination in the HIV
policy Forty-one percent of men who answered did not find any discrimination in the HIV
policy at all, but eleven percent of them perceived it at the highest level.The personal perception of HIV discrimination was related to the perception of discrimination in the health
facilities (p<OO0I) and to the general evaluation of political change for gay life (p<O,0I).
The older men were more critical than younger one (p<0,0 I). No differences were found
among the groups of men according to their sexual orientation, residence, education, experience with HIV testing and psychiatric care in their history
Conclusions: HIV policy is generally viewed as tolerant and without discriminative approach
toward vulnerable minorities, nevertheless the number of negative evaluations can play
important role in the obstacles of preventive programmes.
I. Prochizka, Karlovo nam. 32, Praha 2, 120 00 Czech Rep.Tel: [phone] Fax: +42-2 -
24 904 609

Tu.D.2957 - Tu.D.2964
Tu.D.296 I
AIDS OUTREACH PROGRAM TARGETING GAY MEN THE NOAH'S ARK PROJECT
MARTINS DOS REIS, A. L. Orupo Dignidade, Curitiba - PR, Brazil
Issue: Gay men in the geographical area presented the greatest level of AIDS cases (in
1993) compared to the population as a whole. Absence of any specific prevention program.
Project: A non governmental AIDS/STD outreach program of prevention via Intervention
using other trained "peers (gay men) in public places (toilets, parks, cruising areas) and in
gay bars, discos and saunas. Secondary reinforcement activities in the headquarters of the
Grupo Dignidade. Strategies include: gay oriented prevention educational material based on
gay seropositive super hero cartoon character with live appearance (gay actor) in bars and
discos; teams of two people realizing discreet one-to-one contact in public places; intervention by trained drag queen in bars and discos; discussion groups on gay issues with partial
dedication to safer sex practices; distribution of condoms and educational material.
Results: Good acceptance by the gay community targeted. Comparison of initial and final
surveys showed an increase of 8.4% in the use of condoms. In the period January I1994 to
June 1995, the project recorded 19.752 interventions, 18.767 condoms and 20 safer sex
discussions.The results enabled the project to receive a second period of financing from the
Brazilian Ministry of Health.
Lessons learned: importance of use of peers and adaptation of educational message to the
social reality of the target population. Importance of combining safer sex education with
other activity of interest to the population and not treating it as a stand alone activity.
Variation of approaches to meet the varied characteristics of the population (closet v. out).
Necessity to incorporate issues of gay citizenship in order to promote self esteem and the
subsequent desire not to be infected.
Antonio Luiz Martins dos Reis, Caixa Postal I 095, 8000 I -970 Curitiba - PR, Brazil.
Telephone/Fax 55 4 I 232 9829
Tu.D.2962
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX
WITH MEN IN BRAZIL, 1989-1995
Mota, Murilo*, Parker, R.*,Terto, V*,Almeida,V*, Galvao, J.*, Fernandes, M.E.L.+,Vieira, E.M.+.
*ABIA; +AIDSCAP Project/Brazil
Objective: To monitor levels of risk behavior and behavioral change in response to
HIV/AIDS between 1989 and 1995 among men who have sex with men in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
Methods: An initial cross-sectional study was carried out in 1989, and 503 structured interviews were conducted with subjects recruited through friendship networks and targeted
outreach activities. Drawing on the same sample design and recruitment strategies, a second
cross-sectional study was carried out in 1993, and 300 structured interviews were conducted using a comparable question schedule. Finally in I1995, a third cross-sectional study was
carried out with another 300 structured interviews. Between 1989 and 1995, an additional
200 semi-structured interviews were conducted and ethnographic observation was carried
out throughout the study
Results: High levels of knowledge and information, as well as an accurate perception of HIV
risk, were found throughout the period of study. In 1989, however, although nearly half the
men interviewed reported having made significant behavioral changes, high risk behavior
continued to be widespread, and 54% reported unprotected anal intercourse. By I1993,
however, nearly two-thirds of those interviewed reported having made significant behavioral
changes, and unprotected anal intercourse had dropped to 20%. Behavioral changes registered by 1993 were in large part maintained, but not significantly increased, in 1995.
Discussion and Conclusion: Over the course of a six year period, important behavioral
changes have been documented, suggesting that adequate support for HIV/AIDS prevention
programs can result in an important reduction of risk behavior even in developing countries, and that risk reduction can be maintained over time. Project results suggest that risk
reduction is closely linked to the development of social support structures and a growing
sense of gay community
Murilo Mota, ABIA, Rua Sete de Setembro 48, 12th Floor Centre, 20050-000, Rio de
Janeiro, RJ. Brazil. Phone: 55-2 I -224- I 654. Fax: 55-2 I -224-3414. e-mail: [email protected]
Tu.D.2964
BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN CHILE AND BRAZIL TO TRAIN AIDS
EDUCATORS AND RESEARCHERS
ParraV., FrascaT, Gacitda M., Rodriguez, C., Pablo, R., Gauthier, L. Corporaci
RESEARCHERScost to the system is tremendous as people
Objective: To systematize horizontal contacts among grassroots groups in the Southern
Cone (Chile, Argentina, Brazil) for training of outreach and prevention agents and
researchers.
Methods: Groups in the three countries made contact at regional and international confer
ences to explore ways to move beyond exchange of experience workshops and construct concrete bilateral programs.The Chilean groups (Centre Lambda and Corporacion)
prepared a training course for volunteers on sexuality gender behavior change, development and research and evaluation techniques. Four representatives then attended seminars
in Rio de Janeiro organized by ABIA and made contact with community groups in Rio,
Salvador de Bahia, San Paulo, Santos and Buenos Aires. Areas of interest were: gay moveteents, their link to gay AIDS prevention, sexuality research, drug use and HIV, sex work.
Results: Chilean delegates found a high level of theoretical debate in Brazil on these subjects, as well as broad practical experience in prevention models.Tensions between 'gay
rights"-oriented projects and HIV-related work was noted in all three countries, as well as a
new complementary paradigm combining the two.The possibility of i future drug-linked
epidemic of HIV in Chile was also considered.
Conclusions: Considerable similarity exists in the evolution of HIV work among the three
countries, especially among gay populations. A systematic and prompt sharing of the experiences and solutions developed in each country will reduce the repetition of errors in each
country as the epidemic passes through similar phases.

Victor Parra G. Jofre no 179. Santiago Fono 56-2-2228356 Fax [phone] e-mail chilaids@cchps. mic. cl,,O
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