Marseille 2007
| Abstract #473 - HIV prevention at festivals, circuit parties, and "mega-events": testing and evaluation of an intervention model for gay and other MSM | ||||
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Session: 26.43: Posters B (Poster) on Tuesday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Thomas Haig - Action Sro Zro, Canada |
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| Additional Authors: Mr Robert Rousseau, Mr Philippe-Benot Ct, | ||||
| Aim: Research has suggested that tourist-attended "mega-events" and other large social, cultural, and sporting festivals can be associated with high rates of unprotected sex. Previous studies have underscored the need to develop and test prevention interventions tailored to these events. This presentation outlines an intervention model that was developed in Montral, Canada with the aim of promoting safer sex norms and reducing HIV / STI transmission at mega-events attended by gay and other MSM. | ||||
| Method / Issue: Literature reviews, frontline observation, and consultation with an advisory committee contributed to model development. Previous research has identified a number of risk factors associated with mega events including tourism, group psychology, substance use; and elevation of libido (Colfax et al., 2001; Ghaziani and Cook, 2005; Mansergh et al., 2001). On-site observation highlighted practical challenges posed by large-scale venues and limited resources. A model addressing these factors and challenges was tested at several mega-events held in 2006. | ||||
| Results / Comments: A combined methodology was used to evaluate the model: over two hundred people completed an online questionnaire and four focus groups were held to gather input from event participants, volunteers, staff, and project partners. Results of the evaluation were used to refine the model, and a user-friendly, step-by-step guide to planning prevention interventions at mega events attended by MSM was published in French and English for distribution to organizations in other communities. | ||||
| Discussion: The model offers planning methods that can increase the impact of prevention efforts at mega-events. Focusing on the trajectory that event participants follow, using an event's periphery to good advantage, and building up a bank of pre-planned activities are offered as techniques to optimize interventions and address issues such as substance use. This presentation will elaborate and seek input on aspects of the model that may be relevant for use within other settings and populations. | ||||
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