6th International AIDS Conference San Francisco, California, USA — June 20-23, 1990

Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:345 (abstract no. Th.D.879)
Grierson J, Misson A; AIDS/STD Unit, Health Department Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the educational efficacy of a six week tour of the Outtheatre safe sex and safe use cabaret; "All Thrills, No Spills."

METHODS: The company toured 25 tertiary institutions, and 4 correctional institutions with an overall audience of approximately 5000. A log book of comments was kept for all performances and this was content analysed. A short questionnaire was administered to 38 participants before and 40 after performances, to test perceived threat, transmission knowledge, safe sex negotiation and information seeking. 108 respondents were asked prior to a performance what the level of discussion was within their peer group on AIDS related issues. A follow up of the 104 respondents was conducted 1 week later.

RESULTS: Respondents were found to be supportive of the explicitness, accessibility, practicality and humour of the show. Some increase was noted in knowledge level, particularly regarding needle cleaning. There was some increase in perceived personal threat after the show and a positive shift in felt negotiation skills. Discussion levels among peer groups became less polarised.

CONCLUSION: It would appear that this format is particularly useful for increasing interest levels, enhancing personal relevance and making information accessible. It is indicated, however that development and follow-up within the institutions is necessary to sustain and direct the interest and to respond to the needs of the students.

900620
ThD879

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