The Mpowerment Project: a community-level HIV prevention intervention for young gay men.
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.
Kegeles
S M
SM
Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco 94105, USA.
Hays
R B
RB
Coates
T J
TJ
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