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Tooru Nemoto1, Mariko Iwamoto2, Serena Wong1, Myan Nguyen1, Peggy Lee1, Walter Chang1, and Yungju Oh1. (1) Medicine/Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery St. Suite #600, San Francisco, CA 94105, 415-597-9391, tnemoto@psg.ucsf.edu, (2) Medicine/Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of Califonia, San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery St. Suite #200, San Francisco, CA 94105
Objectives: To provide culturally sensitive community-outreach program targeting high-risk APIs in San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties for prevention of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. To facilitate high-risk APIs to enroll in appropriate health and social service programs and substance abuse treatment.
Methods: Through the consistent outreach activities in targeted areas, high-risk APIs (MSM, female sex workers, and other risk groups) have been recruited for the Program. After completing intake interviews, participants are provided with referrals based on their risk and needs for drug treatment, HIV/AIDS related programs, and other services.
Results: Hesitation to talk to strangers and embarrassment to discuss sexual behaviors were found as unique barriers in API population. Culturally appropriate techniques are necessary to provide effective outreach and referral services. We successfully provided outreach services to nearly 2,000 high-risk APIs and recruited over 400 to the program. Preliminary findings reveal that about 20% of participants reported consuming alcohol almost every day in the past month. Approximately 10% reported being heavily intoxicated 10 to 25 days in the past month (more than 5 drinks). Over one third of participants used drugs in the past month and reported marijuana (79%) and methamphetamine (18%) as the most commonly used drugs. Approximately 30% engaged in unprotected sex in the past month.
Conclusions: Considering HIV/AIDS and substance abuse risk behaviors among high-risk APIs, effective outreach and prevention programs are urgently needed. HIV/AIDS risk related behaviors should be addressed in social and cultural contexts that are appropriate to APIs.
Learning Objectives:
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.