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A community and university partnership launched this program to provide
education, peer support, counseling, and case management to gay and bisexual
male adolescents between 13 and 21 years of age, who are at high risk for
HIV/AIDS. The program begins with an initial two-hour interview for
individualized HIV/AIDS risk assessment and risk reduction counseling. Youth
then participate in a 90-minute interactive peer education program designed to
provide clear, factual information in an atmosphere of mutual support. The
program's lessons are reinforced in an educational video. Optional peer support
groups meet weekly, if youth wish to attend. Finally, there is a one-hour
follow-up visit for reassessment and referrals, as needed, to medical and
social services. A field study of the program was conducted with a
predominantly white sample of males, ages 13-21, who identified themselves as
gay or bisexual. Following the intervention, the 139 participants reported less
frequent unprotected anal intercourse and more frequent use of condoms. A
reduction in substance abuse, particularly amphetamines and amyl nitrate, was
also recorded.
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