Prevention of H I V
... They appeared to rapidly put into practise the prevention messages given out by both health professionals and the media, at that time. However, recent publications have highlighted increased HIV infection in certain MSM populations, especially between young gay men, drawing the serious and extremely worrying conclusion that AIDS prevention is no longer as effective as it was, within certain sections of the gay community. This issue requires immediate intervention in order to prevent the upsurge in HIV continuing and the acquisition of more effective ways to communicate this important prevention message. ... H. ... Although controversy persists regarding whether condoms are an effective means of preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, condoms that are readily available, effectively promoted, and used correctly and consistently, still play an important public health role in HIV prevention. ... No disease prevention strategy is ever perfect, and all strategies, including abstinence, depend on the skills and knowledge of the user. A comprehensive HIV prevention strategy should use multiple elements, drawn from effective health models, to protect as many people at risk of HIV infection as possible. ... Prevention of HIV does work, and many gay/bisexual men would not be alive today if it werent for rigorous prevention efforts. Entering into the third decade of this epidemic, its extremely important to balance anecdotes with the weight of scientific evidence that prevention can, indeed, make a difference (Vanable, Ostrow, & McKirman, 2003). ... In conclusion, since there are multiple factors that contribute to HIV risk-taking among young gay men, multi-level health prevention programs are necessary. ... Funding, designing, implementing and evaluating HIV prevention programs for young gay men must be a high priority to halt the AIDS epidemic. The myth that the gay community has been saturated with AIDS prevention services is in serious need of re-evaluation. New young men will come out each year who have not been exposed to prevention campaigns of previous years, thus HIV prevention for young gay men must be ongoing and dynamic. Engaging, creative programs are needed that address HIV prevention within the contexts of young gay mens lives, incorporating issues of self-esteem, coming out, substance use and interpersonal and social needs. ... The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) relates prevention to behavioural intentions i. ... Relapse prevention models add the assumption that behavioural skills and other psychosocial variables (e. ... Societal homophobia may also impede implementing effective prevention programs for gay youth and may discourage young gay men from accessing prevention services at all (Grossman, 1994). Neither must political concerns interfere with HIV prevention services for young gay men. Ultimately, a comprehensive and effective HIV prevention strategy will use multiple psychological strategies to protect as many of those at risk of HIV infection as possible. Targeting young gay men with clear AIDS prevention messages and non-judgemental services is neither condoning nor promoting homosexuality.