Hendriks A, Prusa R, Lany J, van Soelen P, van Duifhuizen R, Simonse M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: D408 (abstract no. PoD 5127).
COC, Amsterdam, NL.
PROBLEM: Research among Czech gay men indicates a low level of knowledge on the proper use of condoms. Surveys also revealed continued high risk practices among gay men. Homo/bisexual men amount for 90% of the registered AIDS cases in Czechoslovakia. Lack of funds inhibited "Lambda" from launching a gay specific condom promotion campaign. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: Thanks to earmarked funds made available by the Dutch Ministry of Health (WVC), it was possible to design the first ever produced health promotion leaflet targeting Czech gay men. The brochure was produced between April-October 1991. In December 1991, 14,000 copies of the brochure were distributed through 15 lesbian/gay clubs as well as non-homosexual specific saunas frequented by gay men. RESULTS: Reactions were very positive. The brochure, rapidly running out of stock, turned out to be instrumental in discussing safer sex among Czech gay men. Condom sales increased which spurred the Czech condom industry to approach the leaders of "Lambda" for follow-up activities. An evaluation of the brochure is scheduled to take place during spring 1992. In addition, the brochure provided Dutch street educators with a tool to address Czech men offering paid sexual services. This project serves as an example for further East West HIV prevention activities in the context of the European "AIDS and Mobility" project. LESSONS LEARNED: The participants will learn that international collaboration in the context of HIV can be to the benefit of all partners involved. In targeting communities not being addressed by any earlier campaigns, its is important to have members of the target group deciding on the contents, lay-out and language of the materials. By producing a very professional, full-colour brochure, for the first time Czech gay men got the impression that their health needs were taken seriously.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Bisexuality
- Condoms
- Czechoslovakia
- Far East
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Female
- Homosexuality, Male
- Humans
- Male
- Safe Sex
Other ID:
UI: 102200348
From Meeting Abstracts