SEPA Evidence-Base for HIV Prevention in Latino Women as Part of El Centro

Monday, 13 July 2009: 2:45 PM

Rosina Cianelli, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN
Schol of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Coral Gables, FL
Nilda (Nena) Peragallo, DrPH, RN, FAAN
Schol of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Lilian Ferrer, PhD, MNS, RN
Escuela de Enfermeria, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Macul, Chile
Natalia Villegas, RN, MSN
School of Nursing, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Learning Objective 1: 1) The learner will be introduced to SEPA and evidence base practice HIV prevention intervention project.

Learning Objective 2: 2) The learner will identify the impact of SEPA through the successful implementation of it in different settings and the contribution to nursing knowledge.

Introduction: Approximately 33.2 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the world, with a total of 2.5 million new infections reported in 2006 (UNAIDS, 2007). Women comprise 50% of all new HIV/AIDS, with an increase in HIV rates since HIV was first diagnosed.  These statistics reinforce a need to implement effective evidence base HIV prevention programs for women.
Purpose: To identify the contribution of SEPA to evidence base practice (EBP).
Methods: Project SEPA (RO1 NR04746 PI Peragallo) a randomized behavioral trial (Random assignment to  intervention or control/delayed intervention group), was developed in Chicago with Latino women between 18 to 44 years old. Control and intervention group were assessed at baseline, three and six months.  The theory based intervention consisted of six weekly sessions, two hours long, and was culturally tailored.
Results: Project SEPA has been tested in various settings and implemented successfully in other HIV prevention initiatives: Mano a Mano, initiative for women and men in Chile (R01 TW-03-007769-5; RO1 007674-5), DYVA, VIDA, SEPA II within El Centro (NIH/MCHMD P60 MD002266 ).
Conclusion: SEPA has contribute to EBP adding to the body of nursing knowledge to trough EBP around core issues in HIV prevention for Latino women; Testing, adapting and implementing the intervention in different settings,  generating  publications and presentation in national and international conference, translating research and training research nurses.