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Learning Objective 1: 1) The learned will be able to recognize HIV trend in Chilean women
Learning Objective 2: 2) The learned will be able to identify key elements that should be considered to implement an HIV prevention strategy for women
Chile and other Latin American countries have had relatively low HIV rates compared to other regions, but the global decline in new HIV infections from 2000-2008 did not occur in the Latin American region. The number of new HIV infections continues to rise in Chile, reflecting the limited effectiveness of Chile’s public health prevention strategies. Between 1986-1990, the ratio of males to females living with HIV was 7:1, but the ratio recently dropped to 4:1.
Purpose:
Describe the impacts of Mano a Mano - Mujer on HIV-related knowledge, HIV attitudes and behaviors for Chilean low-income women.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental design was used to test Mano a Mano - Mujer. Two communities in Santiago-Chile were randomized to the intervention or the control group. Eligibility criteria included being Chilean Women (CW), residing in one of the two communities selected, between 18 to 49 years old; and sexual active within the past 6 months. In total, 496 women met eligibility criteria, an standardized survey was used to collect the data . The outcomes for the intervention and control groups were compared at baseline at 3-months follow up using multiple regression analysis.
Results:
Four hundred women (182 intervention and 218 control) were interview at three months follow up. The intervention group participated in 6 sessions of the Mano a Mano – Mujer. Statistically significant results were obtained at 3 months follow up on: HIV related knowledge; Attitudes (positive attitudes to people living with HIV, perceive barriers to condom use, self-efficacy for HIV prevention behaviors, and HIV reduction behavioral intention); HIV Risk Reduction Behaviors (partner communication); and Mental health resources (depression symptoms).
Conclusion:
Mano a Mano - Mujer is an effective HIV prevention initiative designed to Prevent HIV among CW reducing sexual risk-taking behaviors and improving healthy behaviors among Chilean women.