5th International AIDS Conference Montreal, Quebec, Canada — Jun 4-9, 1989

Int Conf AIDS 1989 Jun 4-9; 5:167 (abstract no. A.541)
Lerro M, Freeman A, Valentine J, Haley CE; Dallas County Health Department, Dallas, Texas, USA

OBJECTIVE: Reinforce safer sex behaviors among sexually active gay men.

METHODS: Health department staff learned of the high frequency of contact for sexual purposes among gay and bisexual men, particularly at one public park in a gay-identified neighborhood in Dallas. The health department employees prepared packets for distribution in the park. Each packet contained condom packages coded with a red stripe, safer sex brochures, and a list of services available at the health department, including anonymous HIV antibody testing and counseling. The packets were distributed to park patrons who appeared to be in the park for the purpose of arranging sexual contact. Adult male park patrons were approached individually by health department staff using casual, non-threatening behavior. The park patrons were offered the plain white packets and were told the packets were "free product samples." Anecdotal information was collected about the manner of the patrons, the frequency of entering and leaving the park, the peak hours for patron contact in the park. Demographic information was collected.

RESULTS: Coded condom packages were found in the park after the health department began the packet distribution. Patrons accept the packets, are not threatened, appear interested in the material and appreciate our effort in coming to them. Patrons have called the health department and ordered literature on HIV in individual and in bulk quantities.

CONCLUSION: The low-key approach used by health department staff promotes a sensitive image of the health department as it also facilitates safer sex behavior reinforcement.

890604
A541

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