Targeted actions in Vilnius teenagers in order to prevent social- and health disasters.
Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. D11119)
Krupenkaite R, Caplinskas S Lithuanian AIDS Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania
ISSUES. The unprivileged minor girls in Vilnius is a core group for severe health risks like syphilis, tuberculosis, HIV, etc. Objective was to reduce vulnerability of minors through targeted information and social rehabilitation. The project was supported by the World Foundation "Childhood". DESCRIPTION. Activities were divided into two parts: youth-friendly services and day centre for drug users. A new site for minors was opened for teenagers. The staff provided counselling support as regards harm reduction of early sexual practices, alcohol consumption, drug use and cigarette smoking, also in case of a need - contraception. The gynaecological and psychological services were available. Young sex traders were offered regular medical care, laboratory testing and treatment, free condoms. The Site recruited teens to visit the day care centre for drug users. A drop in day care centre provided social counseling mixed with a variety of activities to motivate the children to change their life style. Contacts were established with parents and other relatives of the children. The visitors of the day centre were provided social rehabilitation courses. Treatment duration was 2-3 months. LESSONS LEARNED. During a year (from January up to December 2001) 19 injecting drug users, 4 girls selling sex for money were served. The most popular service used to be detection of narcotic substances in urine sample; the total number of tests performed in teenagers was 70. 57 girls attended consultations with psychologist. 23 girls from special shelters have become the constant visitors. Majority of them are sexually active, and use narcotic substances. RECOMMENDATIONS. Youth-friendly services proved to be of greatest help to motivate the minors to change their risky behaviour, to decrease rates of life-threatening sexually transmitted infections, recruit young drug users for social rehabilitation.
Keywords: AEGIS, Health, HIV Infections, Condoms, Contraception, Adolescent Behavior, Counseling, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Adolescent, Human, Adolescence, Child, Female, psychology
