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Abstract Little is known about the impact of STI risk-reduction messages that present a hierarchical array of methods of varying effectiveness levels in vulnerable populations such as sex workers. Previous studies suggest that increasing women's barrier options improves their preventive behavior and does not lead to reduced condom use. Our objective is to assess how sex workers comprehend and act upon hierarchical STI risk-reduction messages. We will enroll a sample of 250 sex workers in two cities of the Dominican Republic. Participants will be followed for a period of five months. At the enrollment visit, participants will be randomized to either of two groups. Group 1 will receive all methods of the study (male and female condoms and diaphragm) and hierarchical risk-reduction messages (HRM) that will incorporate the hierarchical use of the three barrier methods: male condom, female condom, and diaphragm. Women assigned to Group 2, will receive female and male condoms with instructions for using female condoms when male condom use cannot be negotiated. In the first follow-up visit, women assigned to Group 2 will receive all barrier methods plus the HRM. During monthly follow-up visits, the HRM will be reinforced, an interviewer will assess comprehension of the HRM, and the participant will answer questions about sexual behavior and acceptability of the barrier methods. We are currently performing the study. We have enrolled 78 sex workers. Few participants have been scheduled for the first follow-up visit, but we have noted they are correctly answering questions regarding HRM. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Poster Session 3276.0: Working with Special Populations This page updated |
