Recorded presentation

Julie Pulerwitz, ScD¹, Gary T. Barker, MA², and M Segundo². (1) Horizons project, PATH, 4301 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Suite 280, Washington DC, DC 20008, (2) Instituto PROMUNDO, Brazil, Rua Francisco Serrador, 2/702-Centro, CEP 20031-060, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 55-21-2544-3114, m.segundo@promundo.org.br

While there is increasing recognition of the influence of norms that support inequitable gender relations on HIV/STI risk and partner violence, few empirical studies have attempted to influence these norms, and measure change in both norms and risk due to an intervention. Baseline data were collected from 3 groups of young men aged 15-24 from low-income communities in Brazil (n = 780), who then received different intensities of activities to promote equitable gender norms, and reduce violence and HIV risk. Follow-up data has been collected from two of the groups (n = ~450). The Gender-Equitable Men (GEM) Scale, developed for this study, is used to measure change in gender norms. At baseline, approximately 25% reported STI symptoms, 30% reported multiple sexual partners over the last month, and 63% reported condom use at last sex with a primary partner. “Traditional” gender norms and attitudes measured by the GEM Scale were significantly associated with a number of key risk outcomes, including reported STI symptoms and partner violence (p < .05). Preliminary analyses of post-test data found significant positive change in the GEM Scale (p < .05), and important outcomes improved, such as condom use with a primary partner and STI symptoms (p < .05). The intervention – focused on promoting equitable relationships and reducing HIV risk – seems to successfully lead to positive change in gender norms and reduced HIV risk. When attempting to promote HIV and violence risk reduction among young men, gender-related norms and attitudes should be taken into account.

Learning Objectives:

• (1) Participants will learn of the associations between inequitable gender norms and HIV risk and violence among young men.
• (2) Participates will learn of an intervention that successfully promotes equitable gender norms and leads to reduce HIV risk among young men in Brazil.
• (3) Participants will learn of a psychometrically evaluated and culturally appropriate scale to measure gender norms and attitudes among men.

Keywords: Gender, Violence

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.

Recorded presentation