AEGiS-15IAC: Responsiveness of Ethiopian community living in Italy to HIV-AIDS prevention material.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Responsiveness of Ethiopian community living in Italy to HIV-AIDS prevention material.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. TuOrD1165)

Martini M, Di Pasquale L, Cohen G, Pizzirani A
IOM, Rome, Italy

BACKGROUND: Italy has become an immigration country only in the last decades. In order to decrease their vulnerability to HIV-AIDS, migrant communities need to be given the chance to access information in their own language and in respect to their cultural approaches. Specific research is needed to find the most effective solutions.

METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was implemented on the responsiveness of Ethiopian immigrants living in Italy, on HIV/AIDS prevention materials well as on their level of information on HIV/AIDS and the perception of risk in Italy. Methodology: anthropological techniques and participatory approaches- observation period, semistructured interviews and focus groups. 40 Ethiopian living in Italy were approached. HIV prevention material was collected in Italy and in Ethiopia and was shown to participants. The target was mainly reached through community leaders, associations, and the Ethiopian embassy in Italy.

RESULTS: Very little information and confusion between HIV and AIDS, even if respondents reported to be confident on this issue. HIV was linked to poverty and the risk in Italy was perceived as extremely low. It is possible to identify the HIV + person. The attitude towards condom use were generally negative, not using condoms was identified as sign of trust. HIV test was considered as a preventive tool, especially for women. The stigma of PLWHA was considered high and this lead people to hide their positive status. Responsiveness to prevention material: Realistic images to convey AIDS prevention messages especially representing families or couples were preferred to cartoons or other symbols (drawing, humor, photos). Preferred materials: Pamphlets, leaflets and light colors.

CONCLUSIONS: Necessity to implement training activities for Ethiopian community members and their leaders living in Italy. Peer educators and creative activities would be welcomed. More HIV/AIDS information in their own language, especially for refugees and asylum seekers, developing the most appropriate tools.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Peer Group, Safe Sex, Italy, Focus Groups, Transients and Migrants, Counseling, Condoms, Ethiopia, Humans, Female, prevention & control, organization & administration

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TuOrD1165