The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39383

Doris Y Estremera, BS¹, Maria Arevalo¹, Jean Armbruster, MA², and Peter Kerndt, MD, MPH³. (1) Sexually Transmitted Disease Program, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, 2615 S. Grand Ave., Rm. 500, Los Angeles, CA 90007, (213)744-5971, deatremera@dhs.co.la.ca.us, (2) Family Health Programs, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, 241 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90005, (3) Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Sexually Transmitted Disease Program, 2615 S. Grand Ave., Rm. 500, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Background: Culture, gender roles, and social stigma make it difficult for Latino immigrant day laborer men who have sex with men and women (MSM/W) to disclose bisexual activity. To identify individuals engaging in high-risk behaviors, staff employ a fotonovela (photo illustrated narrative). Fotonovelas are a very popular form of communication in some Latin-American countries and therefore provide a non-threatening means to convey and discuss high-risk behaviors. Fotonovelas currently available to this population neither directly address MSM/W behavior or day laborers' life circumstances that contribute to HIV/STD risk.

Objective: To develop a fotonovela designed by and for day laborers that will serve to initiate dialogue, intensify HIV/STD education, and increase perceived susceptibility.

Methods: To appropriately represent lifestyle of day laborers, observations, informal conversations, and focus groups were conducted. Day laborers were recruited for the photo illustrations. The resulting fotonovela was pre-tested through focus groups to assess for appropriateness, explicit messages, and impact. Pre/post questionnaires assessed knowledge and attitudes. Staff piloted the day laborer amended fotonovela and documented responses and discussions initiated.

Results: The 12-page, 8.5 x 11, color fotonovela is displayed. The fotonovela proved to be effective in initiating discussion of taboo high-risk behaviors and in increasing both knowledge of HIV/STD and perceived susceptibility.

Conclusions: Tailored fotonovelas provide an effective means of communicating HIV/STD messages to Latino immigrant day laborers. It is important to investigate other means of communication to address MSM/W behavioral risks for HIV/STD.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the need to develop more effective Spanish-language health education materials for use in diverse settings.
• Describe the procedure for developing a community-designed fotonovela.
• Identify two life circumstances that may contribute to HIV/STD risks among day laborers.
• Prioritize the HIV/STD behavioral risks of recent immigrant men who have sex with men and women (MSM/W).

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.