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

XIV International AIDS Conference

Abstracts ThPeF8087-ThPeF8090 609

tional Development's (AED) SMARTWork Program, and its recent initiation with
U.S. Deparment of Labor support to establish workplace prevention, education
and policy development workshops in several countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern
Europe, and the Caribbean.
Description: The SMARTWork project offers business managers (top management, human resource, and medical) and employee representatives (labor leaders, prevention and peer educators) training, education, and tools to establish
comprehensive programs and effective policies for the workplace.
Lessons learned: In its first year, SMARTWork is initiating presentations and
workshops for businesses and labor groups in several countries, including Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Ukraine, Vietnam. This presentation will examine the
cross-country challenges and opportunities to establishing workplace-based programs, and the lessons of its early experience.
Recommendations: The presentation will outline next steps of the four-year DOL
project, potential opportunities for expansion to other countries and companies,
and for attendees to share and exchange valuable information on workplacebased HIV/AIDS programs.
Presenting author: Matthew Roberts, Academy for Educational Development,
1825 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, United States, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeF8087 A study on the knowledge and attitude about the
mode of transmission and prevention of AIDS
among persons who came for pre marriage exam to
Tehran Shahid Hasheminejad lab in 2001(1380)
S.H. Ascqharil, A.M. Asghari2, M. Mahdavian3, F. Majlesil, M. Mahmoodil,
B. Nikpoorl. 'School of Public Health and Institue of Health Research of Tehran
University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran; 2 Tehran
University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran; 31ran University
of Medical Sciencse, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Background: The spread of AIDS, this problem of human security, during the
two past decades was very draconian in the world.An effective response to AIDS
is considered a neccesary for juveniles.For showing a good reaction and response,it's necessary to know about the characteristics of target groups. And,as
there was no accurate information about demographic situation of young peoples
in IR.Iran we designed this study.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran Shahid Hasheminejad lab in2001.Participants aged 14-58years and were randomly selected from
the persons who came for pre marriage exams.
Results: A total of 450 people were interviewed and 7(1.7%) were omitted (the
cases of remarriage).
From 443 remiander people 235 (53.2%)were women and207 (46.8%)men, mean
age 24 + 4.7,the most frequent job was self employed for men & House keeper
for womenl53 (34.7%)and the most frequent educational level was highschool
diploma 188 (42.8%)and the most way for taking the information was radio& television (48%)
1. Knowledge about transmission of AIDS was high in 330 (74.7%), intermediate
in 105 (23.8%) and low in 7 (1.6%)
2. Knowledge about prevention of AIDS was high in27 (6.1%), intermediate in 266
(60.1%) and low in 149 (33.7%).
3. Score of positive Attitude to transmission and prevention of AIDS was high in
16 (3.6%), intermediate in 327 (73.9%) and low in 99 (22.3%).
4. There were relation between sex and attitude to transmission and prevention
of AIDS (P-value<0.0002) and between educational level and Knowledge about
prevention of AIDS (P-value<0.01).
Conclusions: There was no treatment, no vaccine for AIDS and prevention is the
only choice, so in the educational program we must pay more attention to prevention of AIDSand must be explained clearly and in detail to the groups in danger.
And we need a multipotential action with highest level of political leadership to
fighting against AIDS. Because if we didn't turn to AIDS, tomorrow it will turn us.
Presenting author: Shabnam Asghari, post box14155-4677, Tehran-Iran, Islamic Republic of Iran, Tel.: +98+21-8085996, E-mail: [email protected].
org
ThPeF8088 Introduction to Risk Mapping as a tool to fight
HIV/AIDS: The case of Cameroon
K.J.A. Kencne Jeanne d'Arc. ACMR, B.P5251 Douala, Cameroon
Issues: A Douala based NGO called ACMR (Association Culturelle Mission de
Recreation) with the assistance of the UNICEF country office has together with
the Douala youths developed risk maps on HIV/AIDS vulnerability. They have
mapped out the city into 15 action areas.
Description: The analysis of the local maps showed the various risk factors that
exposed the young people to HIV/AIDS infection.
Video-clubs, bars, Night-clubs, game houses, guest houses etc are attraction ar
eas to these youths.
Youths use school premises, churches and markets as areas where they negotiate their rendevous.
Lessons learned: The youths identify themselves in a project, owning the project
and bring out from the risky factors. They have identified through this project the
risky behaviour which they need to change and be good health. They have also
through life skills which positive behaviour to promote or to develop. The youths

themselves through their health clubs choose which active methods to learn these
skills.
Recommendations: This experience should encourage the active participation
of the youths. This provides a contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS because
the youth adopts positive and responsible behaviour.
We recommend that this experience be tried in many countries especially those
affected by the AIDS pandemic.
Presenting author: Jeanne d'Arc Kengne, B.P.5251 Douala, Cameroon, Tel.:
[phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
I ThPeF8089 Catalytic Projects in the HIV/AIDS Response in
Zambia
E.T. Serlemitsos. JHU/CCP, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD, 21202,
United States
Issues: Sexual activity is high and risk perception is very low among Zambian
youth. 64% of 15-19 year old girls and 70% of boys think they are at no risk of
contracting HIV/AIDS. Although government and NGOs have been implementing
awareness campaigns specifically for young people, it has become apparent that
there is still not sufficient behavior change among youth.
Description: In the mid 1990s Zambian youth realized that the only way to solve
this problem was to do something for themselves and their peers. Two NGOs
emerged: Youth Media (YM) and Youth Activists Organisation (YAO). Both were
formed by high school students; young people with a concern for the future.
YM proposed the production of a monthly sexual and reproductive health (SRH)
newspaper called Trendsetters. Now, five years and 600,000 copies later, YM is
an established institution. YAO demonstrates similar success. Their SRH activities focus on school, church and communities. YAO and YM have created opportunities for other youth groups through their example and have catalyzed institutional and individual change. Additionally, several youth centers and two new
youth NGOs are now well functioning as a result.
Lessons Learned: Youth understand best what their needs are and how they
should be addressed. They can encourage their peers most effectively By knowing what will have optimal impact, youth-led NGOs can catalyze young people
in all areas, personally and programmatically. They also serve to advocate for
youth-centered programs in government and other institutions.
Recommendations: To make youth programs even more successful, youth need
to strengthen their skills in management, budgeting, finance, and report writing.
This is easy as youth are generally eager to learn. Youth also need financial resources and sustained emotional support to be successful. Youth-led efforts can
translate into better youth-focused programming in both NGOs and government
and must be promoted.
Presenting author: Elizabeth Serlemitsos, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD, 21202, United States, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [email protected]
ThPeF8090I Our youth at stake: Youth and AIDS in Uganda
K.S. Kapere, E.TO. Erasmus Tanga, R. Serunkuuma, J. Mayanaja. TASO(U)Ltd,
Taso Mulago, RO BOX 11485, Kampala, Uganda
Issues: In Uganda, AIDS has had a great impact on the youth. This goup is very
sexually active. Studies in Uganda have shown that amongh the youth, sexual activity is not frequent in the upper primary and secondary levels. A study done by
the insitutue of Public Health found that 54% unmarried youth aged 15 - 19 had
began sexual activity A 2000 study of Uganda's youth from different communities
found that 48% are sexually active, 65% and 44% girls.
The main private and pubic health strategies to control the epidemic have been
focused on information, education and communication (IEC) for awareness and
risk reduction. However, youth have continued being vulnerable and all effective
approaches of addressing thier risk must be identified and used, with specific
focus on local resources avaialble in the communities.
Description: A qualitative study carried out in Western Uganda had three objectives.
- the study aimed to establish if and how indigenous knowledge can be used for
HIV/AIDS education for youth.
- the study assessed youth participation in AIDS policy development.
The research process was used to facilitate an action plan to intergrate indigenous knowledge in educational programmes and policies.
Conclusion: The study establhsed the important role of indigenous knowledge in
practices and informal education that existed before formal education in HIV/AIDS
prevetion for youth. Youth identified PLWH/AIDS, parents, grandparents, village/church elders as some of the groups that can facilitate effective youth education using local knowledge. Filing the communication gap between youth and
adults and involving youth in sex education and policy development in uganda
was seen as an essential componnent in addressing HIV/AIDS among young
people.

Recommendations: Policy statements should emphasise the need for young
people to be free to have acess to all the necesary iformation and services.
Presenting author: Solomon Kaperne, Taso Mulago, PRO.BOX 11485, Kampala,
Uganda, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: tasomul@infocom.
co.ug