According to the Florida Department of Health report on Vital Morbidity Statistics for Miami-Dade County's 1994 Annual Report, the South Beach section of Miami, Florida was found to be in the highest category for AIDS cases. Further, 1990 Census data indicated an AIDS cluster in South Beach among unmarried men, suggesting AIDS prevention programs were needed for men who have sex with men (MSM) living in South Beach. South Beach is a well-known, transient, multicultural, tourist area located on the southern portion of Miami Beach, Florida. Many MSM call South Beach home.
In the spring of 1999, a cross-sectional survey of unmarried men between the ages of 18 and 29 years who considered themselves MSM was conducted at several locations in South Beach. Surveys questioned socioeconomics, demographics, HIV status, sexual practices, substance use, preferred media, and social activities. The purpose of the survey was to help identify patterns of safe sex practices when compared to a variety of variables including ethnicity, economic status, lifestyle, HIV status, etc.
Results indicated over one quarter of young MSM living or vacationing in South Beach do not practice safe sex. Based on this formative evaluation, interventions should be implemented to raise safe sex rates. According to research, MSM not adhering to safe sex warnings usually feel disconnected politically and culturally to the gay community.
Therefore, based on these findings, developing an empowering, community based prevention program may be successful in improving safe sex practice rates -- ultimately reducing the incidence of AIDS cases.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Explain young, gay men's views on HIV/AIDS. 2. Successfully survey young, gay men (living in a transient/tourist area) on HIV issues. 3. Develop successful, community based interventions targeting the young, gay, transient population
Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, HIV Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.