Document 2219
 DOCN  M94A2219
 TI    HIV intervention among visually handicapped.
 DT    9412
 AU    Saravanamuthu; Vijayaraghavan H; Padmanabhan G; Ushakumari South India
       AIDS Action Programme, Madras.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):354 (abstract no. PD0024). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370356
 AB    PROBLEM: In India, the visually handicapped community has been
       marqinalised from mainstream society limiting access to information in
       general especially sex and related matters. Unsafe sexual practices are
       prevalent coupled with the fact that there is a crying need for accurate
       info for STDs/HIV/AIDS and sexuality among this community. DESCRIPTION
       OF THE PROJECT: Visually handicapped people were recruited and trained
       as peers. To facilitate out reach, the community has been occupationally
       stratified. IEC materials such as Braille pamphlets (bilingual) & audio
       cassettes were exclusively designed to impart health education. Proper
       use of condoms were demonstrated using fingers or penis models. Condoms
       are being distributed regularly and focus group discussions are being
       conducted as a follow-up. This is a pioneer project in the entire world
       for HIV intervention among this community. CONCLUSION: Condom
       utilisation has increased from 1% to 20% More people have taken
       treatment for STDs. The project has enabled the community to access
       condoms without any inhibitions. LESSONS LEARNT: Sex & Sexuality need to
       be an entry point for STD/HIV education. Innovative education strategies
       that are culture specific catering to the need of the community needs to
       be developed.
 DE    *Blindness  Condoms  *Health Education  Human  HIV
       Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL  Peer Group  Sex Behavior  MEETING
       ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).