Abstract Book Vol. 2 [International Conference on AIDS (14th: 2002: Barcelona, Spain)]

582 Abstracts ThPeF7958-ThPeF7962

XIV International AIDS Conference

ThPeF7958 Redimensioning the work of security and
prevention multiplier agents
O.N. Santos, E.J. Biondi, J.L.F. Santos, L.P. Veiga, D.G.L. Vieira.
Superintendencia de Saude - SEDHUSP, Rua Bario de Itambi, 60 G. 2,
Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, CEP: 22270-210, Brazil
Issue: The School of Formation of Penitentiary Agents of the State Secretary of
Human Rights and Penitentiary System (SEDHUSP) of Rio de Janeiro offers systematic training to its staff, to improve their training of the activities in their work
setting.
Description: The Superintendencia de Saude (Prison Health Department) of the
SEDHUSP participates already 5 years in the education of penitentiary staff. It
promotes discussions about HIV/AIDS, STDs, drugs and biosecurity, with special
emphasis on their real daily work situation. At the lectures there is use of serial albums, overhead projections and videos. After discussion of the treated subjects,
a group dynamic is applied. The participants receive information material and
male and female condoms. It must be emphasized that the training is considered
a service, which strengthens its importance.
The result of this effort was a visible better professional performance. Most trained
agents acted as prevention multipiers in their units, inclusively indicating to their
colleagues of the health staff inmates with potential STD infections and which
needed counselling and medical assistance.
Lessons learned: Considering that the Penitentiary System in Rio de Janeiro
state actually consists of about 15.700 prisoners and about 4.000 penitentiary
agents we believe that it is most important to continue with this prevention training of the agents. They also facilitate the activities of the HIV/AIDS prevention
team next to the prison population.
Recommendations: To improve health prevention activities in the penitentiary
system it is most important to invest into the education of the prison staff.
Presenting author: Oraci Santos, Rua Barho de Itambi, 60 G. 2, Botafogo, Rio
de Janeiro - RJ, CEP: 22270-210, Brazil, Tel.: [phone], Fax: +55 -21 -
33997339, E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeF7959 Adolescent sexual development
M.A. Mendez, J. Calderon-Soto, D. Fonseca-Lago, R. Gonzalez. University of
Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Issues: We present a qualitative analysis of the adolescent sexual development
and their implications for STDs and HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
Description: This study is part of a wider project, called Project MUEVETE (Moving to prevention). Some goals of project MUEVETE are:
1) provide opportunities to explore adolescent attitudes regarding HIV transmission including personal susceptibility to HIV infection; and
2) provide a forum for youngsters to discuss their feelings, concerns and anxieties
about initiating and maintaining preventive health behaviors. Thirty adolescents
between the ages of 12 and 15 were given a truncated sentence about sexuality
and asked to make up a complete story based on their own experiences, attitudes
and knowledge about sexual issues.
Lessons learned: The adolescent experience about sexuality is not homogeneous. There are marked differences in their level of knowledge, developmental
processes, and life events associated to sexuality by school-age level.
Recommendations: Developmental and contextual differences among adolescents should be taken into account when designing projects geared to prevent
STD, and HIV/AIDS among them. The term "adolescent" should be re-visited to
take into account the specific differences among such stage.
Presenting author: Milagros Mendez, CUSEP, 55 ave Universidad, San Juan,
927, Puerto Rico, Tel.: [phone] x 7884, Fax: [phone], E-mail:
[email protected]
ThPeF7960 Targetting and Involving young Filipino MSM
students in HIV/AIDS prevention
J.V.D. de Castro. The Library Foundation, #1074, Estrada St., Malate, Manila,
Philippines
Issue: In identifying groups that are in particular risk of possible HIV/AIDS transmission, international agencies have consistently named the youth, MSM, and
citizens of developing countries. Yet, a substantial intervention targeting the Filipino MSM youth has yet to be a part of a government or NGO health program in
the Philippines.
Descriptions: The Library Foundation (TLF) has conducted a series of Healthy
Interaction Values Workshops. Participants were young MSM who are part of a
formal or informal group where other young MSM converge, such as and university campuses. The three-day, peer-facilitated workshops included topics on
basic STI/HIV/AIDS information, safer sex negotiation, peer education, community planning, and other social issues affecting MSM youth. A total of 12 students

from the Philippine Normal University (PNU) participated in the workshops. The
participants from PNU with the support and technical assistance provided by TLF,
formed PNU LAKAN, which works to mainstream HIV/AIDS education and advocates for a better environment for gay and bisexual male students in PNU. LAKAN
is a recognized university organization and has organized several activities within
their campus, including small group discussions, peer education sessions, and
other activities.
Lessons learned: TLF has learned that peer education and community mobiliza
tion which involve the stakeholders can be highly effective, especially in achieving
a multiplier effect which benefits more MSM youth. However, longer time has to
be invested, as community organizing is a long process.
Recommendations: TLF is exploring similar partnerships with other established
gay students organizations and is also looking into areas where MSM youth converge for possible partnerships in implementing HIV/AIDS educations programs.
The organization strongly recommends education and outreach programs that
will target and involve MSM youth in the planning and implementation of projects.
Presenting author: James Dax de Castro, #1074, Estrada St., Malate, Manila,
Philippines, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeF7961 Using peer education to reach in-school youths:
The experience of Ekiti and Ondo states of Nigeria
0. Ogunrotimi, A. Adetoro, 0. Oke. Family Health International, EDFHO Hqrs,
15, Housing Estate Road, Opopogboro, Off/Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Issues: The 5.8% prevalence of HIV/AIDS is a major health problem in Nigeria
and the attempt at reducing its spread informed the use of peer health education
(phe) approach to reach students in Ondo and Ekiti States of Nigeria. The project
started in 1999 with funding from United States Agency for International Development through the Family Health International. The 2 states have the highest
enrolment of secondary school students in Nigeria. The problem of indiscriminate
sex without the use of condom is widely reported with some students working as
female sex workers or as their clients.
Description: Select 4 secondary schools and 1 university in each state and identify teacher-supervisors in each school. Conduct focuss group discussions with
the students and interview teachers and stakeholders to know the nature of student behavior and best intervention. Select and train supervisors (15) and phes
(305) at 6 & 5-day workshops respectively. After training anti-AIDS club formed
by trained phes in each school they admit other interested students. Educational
materials were given to phes to enable them speak to peers while special events
are routinely organised during valentine days and world AIDS days. Condom outlets established in tertiary schools. As motivation t-shirts, face caps and bags
were given to phes after training. Some incentives given to offset transport fares.
Reached 20428 students.
Lessons learned: A change in sexual behavior is being reported and students
find it convenient to be accessed by the phes. Other school heads have asked
for the extension of the project to their schools. The students actively take part in
club activities and organised special events.
Recommendation: Peer education remains the best approach to reach in-school
youths in developing countries. The main aim should be to build the capacity of
the student phes to be able to interact with their peers. The involvement of the
school authoritiesand the student body is recommended
Presenting author: Olu Ogunrotimi, EDFHO Hqrs, 15, Housing Estate Road,
Opopogboro, Off Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, Tel.: [phone], Fax:
[phone], E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeF7962 Love, lust deceit & money Ugandan school pupils &
the discourage of sex
R. Serunkuuma1, T Kasule2, C. Kyeyune3. 1TASO Mulago, TASO Mulago,
Upper Mulago Hospital, PO.Box 11485, Kampala, Uganda; 2Uganda Blood
Transfusion Services (UBTS), Kampala, Uganda; 3Faculty of Public Health,
Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
Objectives: To investigate the nature and extent of sexual relationships and attitudes and ideas regarding such relationships among pupils in Mpigi District of
Uganda.
Methods: After carrying out a survey and a number of in-depth interviews with
school pupils, we concluded that these were not suitable methods of studying
sexual behaviours and attitudes. Because it is not possible to study sexual behaviour directly, the only thing we have to go on with, is what informants tell us;
i.e., their verbal discourse. We generated and recorded this discourse through a
performative research methodology in which pupils developed scripts and then
enacted specific events relating to sexual relationships. These were recorded on
video and then discussed in sessions that were also recorded and analysed.
Results: A number of dominant themes emerged from an analysis of the tests
thus generated love, lust, money and deception. Love is a highly ambiguous concept often almost indistinguishable from sex in pupils' discourse on relationships.
These relationships have an important transactional component, with girls exchanging sexual favours for money or material rewards. Deception plays a central
role in negotiation of these transactions. The exchange component does not appear to be motivated by economic necessity however, and has a deeper cultural
significance. School girls have relationships with both school boys and young
adult men, as both groups of males actively seduce school girls. However, school
girls do not appear to be simply innocent victims of unscrupulous male list, but
emerge as competent negotiators who may actively seek out suitable partners, in
equalities in power within relationships are therefore also highly ambiguous. The
fear of pregnancy also emerged more clearly.
Conclusions: A part from generatting an understanding of the dynamics of adolescent sexual relationships, the paper shows that a performative approach can
be used to provide detailed information on sexual matters in certain groups in a
short time with relatively little investment and using only minimally trained local
staff.