Bridging the Gap: Conference Record [Abstract book, International Conference on AIDS (12th: 1998: Geneva, Switzerland)]

12th World AIDS Conference

Abstracts 13526-13531 191

13526 ] Training of health agents on STD/AIDS prevention and
drug abuse at urban schools in Rio de Janeiro
Jane Portella1, C. Reginald2, S. Fernandes2, S. Monteiro2, S. Silva3. 1Rua
Candido Mendes, Gloria Rio De Janeiro; 2Education Department of Rio De
Janeiro, 3Health Department Rio De Janeiro State, RJ, Brazil
Issues: To provide training for health agents in order to act on STD/AIDS prevention and drug abuse in their communities.
Project: It was selected 312 school located in areas with high prevalence of
AIDS cases and drug abuse. School teachers were trained by the project staff
personal on sexuality, drug abuse, safer sex practices and STD/AIDS prevention
methods, attending the school community necessities. The next stage is the
design of local Projects at each school and the definition of a calendar for the
training process addressed to the students. The methodology adopted is based
on dynamic groups where the main aim is the expression of adolescents feelings
and doubts about the themes.
Results: From June 1996 to December 1997, a total of 1049 teachers from
327 school were trained in Rio de Janeiro. It was organized workshops for 3273
students from elementary and high school. In the next six months, it was expected
to reach a total of 9360 students trained in this city.
Lessons Learned: 1) After almost two decades of the epidemics prevention
program jointing together safe sex and drug abuse prevention targeting school
population are still scarce. 2) Both, students and teachers had showed great
interest on the themes carried out in the workshops. 3) The project methodology
reinforcing life experiences of the participants was determinant for its effectiveness.
13527 Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) about
HIV/AIDS among youth aged 12-14 in Jamaica
Maxine Wedderburn1, J. Amon2, P. Figueroa3. 1c/o Mary O'Grandy, Impact/FHI,
2101 Wilson Blvd. #700, Arlington, VA 22201; 2 mpact/FHI, Arlington, VA, USA;
3MOH/EPI Unit, Kingston, Jamaica
Objective: To measure trends in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices
(KABP) related to HIV among youth aged 12-14 in 29 schools following schoolbased intervention designed to communicate HIV/AIDS prevention information
and encourage young people to abstain from and delay the onset of sexual
activity.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey on HIV/AIDS KABP was conducted in
1994 among 556 (283 boys, 273 girls) students and in 1996 among 561 (288
boys, 273 girls) students in the parishes of Kingston and St. Catherine, Jamaica.
Schools representing typical urban areas were drawn from Kingston, while those
representing typical rural areas were drawn from St. Catherine. Only "All Age"
or "secondary" schools, which generally serve students from low socioeconomic
backgrounds, were included in the sample. Schools meeting this criteria were then
randomly selected. Schools selected in 1994 were maintained in 1996. Twenty
students were randomly selected from each school using random numbers and a
student role.
Results: Over the two year period, knowledge of at least 2 HIV prevention
methods increased significantly (p -.001) among both boys (71% to 99%) and
girls (70% to 94%). Myths of HIV transmission showed considerable decline, but
remained quite high among girls. Many more adolescent boys reported sexual
experience and recent sexual activity than girls. However, declines were reported
in boys sexually experienced (59% to 41%, p <.001) and sexually active in the
past 12 months (40% to 33%, p =.08). Ten percent of girls reported being sexually
experienced (from 11%) and 7% sexually active (from 6%). No difference was
seen between urban and rural adolescents. Ninety-three percent of respondents
were able to recognize a condom. Among those sexually active, an increase in
the number reporting consistent condom use was reported, both among boys
(16% to 29%, p -.01) and girls (21% to 35%, p =.25).
Conclusions: KABP results demonstrate the success of a school-based educational program among young adolescents. Gender differences and rural-urban
differences should be noted by HIV/AIDS prevention program managers interested in working with youth.
13528 | Linking sexual and reproductive health community
services and prevention programs for adolescents at
schools: "La comunidad protege a sus jovenes"
Maria del Rocio Valencia. Pablo Bermudez 214 Oficina 1001, Lima 11, Peru
Objective: High vulnerability to STD, HIV/AIDS Infection and sexual abuse of
adolescents from socially and economically disadvantaged areas in Peru. Inadequate information, education and failure to attend health services increase their
vulnerability.
Programme: IES implemented La Comunidad protege a sus Jovenes a community based programme that articulates Health Services with Preventive Programmes for adolescents at schools.
This program includes three strategies: 1. Peer education on sexual health

with active participation of adolescents in sexual health prevention at schools,
2. Schools linkage to health centers that facilitate adolescents access to health
services available within the district, and 3. District networks of services and
organizations allowing adolescents integral care.
These are complementary strategies that favour healthy environments where
the community including the adolescents, participate actively in adolescents
sexual health care.

Outcomes: 22,000 school students participated in health festivals organized
by 22 schools linked to 16 Health centers. 6 Networks of institutions working with
adolescents were developed. 880 trained peer educators provided information
and orientation to 2,280 students. Students were assisted by health professionals and 1,320 students were supported by networks organizations within the
communities.
Conclusions: Articulating Health Services within the community can become
an effective strategy for promoting settings where sexual health promotion is
adopted actively by the community. Health proffessionaly and community organizations find that working with adolescents who participate actively in promoting
their own sexual health is an effective strategy to link prevention and attention to
improve sexual health in this target group. This strategy is not limited to Sexual
Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention but is a promising for any health issue.
S13529 The use of participatory communication techniques in
addressing HIV/AIDS/STIs and sexuality amongst inschool adolescents
Priscilla Mataure, G.B. Woelk, M. Tromp. University of Zimbabwe Department of
Comm Medicine Box A 178 Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe
Background: HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic proportions in Zimbabwe. Efforts
are being made to give the presently uninfected groups the means to help protect
themselves from the risks of HIV/AIDS.
Objective: The goal of the Adolescents and AIDS Prevention Project is to equip
school based adolescents with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves
from HIV/AIDS and other STIs.
Method: In the project, teachers were trained in participatory techniques i.e.
use of role plays, group discussions, picture codes, drama and other educative
games in the delivering of information on HIV/AIDS/STIs, sexuality and boy/girl
relationships. Discussions are geared towards life skills i.e. confidence building,
assertiveness, values and decision making.
Findings: As part of an overall project evaluation, In depth- focus group discussions were held with students from selected schools to determine the changes
that had taken place after the project implementation. Overall the knowledge and
attitudes towards HIV/AIDS had improved as well as views regarding early sexual
activity. Support by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Education and the mandatory incorporation of HIV/AIDS education in the schools' curriculum have also contributed
to the success of the project.
Conclusion and Recommendations: Teachers can be the right people to
teach in- school adolescents on the risks of HIV/AIDS and sexuality if given the
right training and follow up support visits and training material.
13530 1 Bridging the gap between classroom and community:
Service-learning for HIV prevention, compassion and
care
Kathleen Sullivan, J.M. Berestecky. Kapi'olani Community College/University of
Hawai'i 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Issue: Students in America's 1,200 community colleges often come from backgrounds of ethnic, economic, educational and gender disadvantage, and from
age groups at high risk for HIV infection. All institutions of higher education, need
to develop broad-based, in-depth, curricular and co-curricular strategies for HIV
prevention.
Project: Kapi'olani Community College (KCC), with CDC funding, is connecting
classroom, campus, community and cyberspace for HIV prevention by pioneering
Service Learning (SL) as a teaching methodology. SL combines course-relevant
community service with academic instruction to enrich learning, foster civic responsibility and effect positive social change. Over 40 liberal arts and health
science courses integrate HIV/AIDS related SL into the curricula. Also, new SL
classes are being offered, including "Issues in HIV/AIDS," "Literary and Artistic
Perspectives of HIV/AIDS," and AIDS awareness campaigns reaching hundreds
of students. Additionally students and faculty are establishing "Safe zones" on
campus to provide opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
students to express their concerns and develop relevant programs.
Results: Our collaboration with HIV related community organizations is extensive and bridges a gap between the classroom and community - through
service which promotes learning and behavioral change. Over 3 dozen nonprofit community organizations collaborate with faculty leaders on all facets of
KCC's HIV-prevention program. Over 250 students have engaged in HIV/AIDS-SL
education.
Lessons Learned: For broad-based in-depth, co-curricular HIV prevention
strategies to be successful close collaboration between faculty and representatives from HIV-related agencies is essential. By engaging in service at HIV-related
community organizations, students learn about the dynamics of the disease -
through a contextualized experience with HIV/AIDS - that enhances behavior
change, prevention, compassion and care.

S13531 STDS/AIDS prevention among youngs in schools in the
east province in Cameroon
Alexis Boupda, Michel Ella. Cameroon Health Program, PO Box 2338, Yaounde,
Cameroon
Objectives: To reduce STD/AIDS prevention among youngs in schools in the
East Province of Cameroon.