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3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and TreatmentRio de Janeiro - July 24 - 27, 2005 |
NEW, INNOVATIVE APPROACH FOR HARM REDUCTION AND PRIMARY HIV PREVENTION
IAS Conf HIV Pathog Treat 2005 Jul 24-27;3rd: Abstract No. WeOa0303
Mirzoyan A.1, Ter-Hovakimyan A.2, Bakhshinyan V.1, Minasyan H.2
1 Anti HIV/AIDS National Association, Yerevan, Armenia, 2 Scientific Association of Medical Students of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
INTRODUCTION: Cost-effective approaches to reduce HIV spread among vulnerable groups are crucial, especially at resource-constrained settings. In Armenia IDU is the main mode of HIV transmission in 2004. 68.5% of IDUs use disposable syringes, 2% change only needle; 48% of FSWs and 25% of IDUs use always condoms, only 26% of married IDUs use condoms.
METHODS: AHANA and SAMSA passed a special training provided by Tufts University (USA) on Positive Deviance (PD) in 2004. PD was used rooted in behavioural change of IDUs and FSWs. PD approach consists from subsequent stages: baseline assessment, community mobilization and behavioural change strategy. With community active groups (CAG) 2 target groups from different regions and Yerevan were selected for PD inquiry: FSWs always use condoms, IDUs always use clean syringes. Both groups developed tools to discover specific practices for PD, and were trained and pre-tested for interviews. Specific PD behaviours identified by "new-Peer-educators" through observations and group discussions were presented and jointly developed. Both groups agreed that these PD behaviours could be shared with and adopted by wide communities. Interim and final evaluations were conducted to assess the approach's behavioural impact. SPSS 10.0 software was used for analysis.
RESULTS: 87.2% of IDUs use only clean syringes and needles, 67.2% of FSWs and 45% of IDUs permanently use condoms.
CONCLUSIONS: 1. PD approach is asset-based and enables target group to find own sustainable solution for prevention of HIV infection. 2. PD is widely acceptable by IDUs and FSWs, since based on "indigenous" knowledge. 3. PD participants are active actors in own development. 4. Input from community ensures low-cost, long-term and sustained impact. 5. PD is a behavioural change approach: Practice, Attitude and Knowledge (PAK). 6. Attraction of CAG facilitates reaching of target groups and shortens baseline assessment to 1 – 3 days.
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Prevention | WeOa0303 | Artashes Mirzoyan
Harm reduction and IDU-related strategies
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