title: The Mpowerment Project: a community-level HIV prevention intervention for young gay men.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Since young gay men are engaging in alarmingly high rates of unsafe sex and few seek help for changing risky behaviors, community-level programs to prevent infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among them are urgently needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed and implemented a community-level HIV prevention program in a midsized Oregon community. The peer-led program had three components: out-reach, small groups, and a publicity campaign. Independently from the prevention program, a cohort of young gay men (n = 300) was surveyed in this and in a similar comparison community pre- and postintervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following intervention, the proportion of men engaging in any unprotected anal intercourse decreased from 41.0% to 30.0% (-27% from baseline), decreased from 20.2% to 11.1% (-45% from baseline) with nonprimary partners, and decreased from 58.9% to 44.7% (-24% from baseline) with boyfriends. No significant changes occurred in the comparison community over the same period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This prevention approach effectively led to HIV risk reduction. To reach risk-taking young gay men, HIV prevention activities must be embedded in social activities and community life.
authors.affiliation: Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco 94105, USA.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kegeles
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Hays
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Coates
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires