Soto TA, Harper G, Vess L, Contreras R, Valarde M, Soto J; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 507-8 (abstract no. 24352).
DePaul University, Chicago, Il., USA.
ISSUES: Gay Latino youth are a subpopulation of male adolescents which continue to be a high risk population for exposure to HIV. Few prevention programs have been developed to target this high risk population. PROJECT: The "Estamos Preocupados" (We are concerned) is a 10 week group based psychoeducational intervention project tailored to Gay Latino males ages 16-24. It utilizes four components: 1) aggressive outreach by indigenous outreach workers; 2) An empowerment and self care oriented curriculum which aims to raise self esteem and develop coping skills to manage the unique environmental, interpersonal and intrapsychic stressors which place gay Latino youth at risk for HIV; 3) facilitation by indigenous peers utilizing established protocols and 4) ongoing clinical and professional development supervision and training to empower and raise competency skills for facilitators. In an attempt to continually improve and modify the intervention, a process evaluation has been integrated into the program. RESULTS: Preliminary results indicate a strong receptivity to this group based intervention. Initial engagement and recruitment have been the most challenging obstacle due to the clandestine nature of this population. Once engaged participants report extremely positive experiences within group and likewise, staff also report extreme satisfaction with the guidance and support the program offers specifically in the area of supervision. LESSONS LEARNED: Specialized group based HIV prevention interventions which are tailored to the specific sociocultural needs of the population are urgently needed. Such programs are viable when they are structured, comprehensive and integrate theoretical information into the curriculum. Ongoing clinical supervision and mentorship provide empowerment for staff and improves the group process and facilitation.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Adolescent Health Services
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Hispanic Americans
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Male
- Humans
- Male
- Peer Group
- education
- methods
- prevention & control
Other ID:
UI: 102229469
From Meeting Abstracts