Document 2075
 DOCN  M94A2075
 TI    Expressionist theatre and HIV/AIDS prevention for men who have sex with
       men in Brazil.
 DT    9412
 AU    de Almeida V; Parker R; Quemmel R; Terto Junior V; ABIA/Grupo Pela
       VIDDA-RJ, Brazil.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):387 (abstract no. PD0154). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370500
 AB    OBJECTIVE: Drawing on research findings documenting high levels of
       knowledge and awareness in relation to HIV/AIDS, but low rates of
       behavior change, this project seeks to provide social and psychological
       support for AIDS prevention among men who have sex with men in Brazil.
       METHODS: The development of an expressionist theatre workshop on
       sexuality and AIDS. Regular weekly meetings focus on bodywork and
       expressionist pantomime, dramatization of sexual negotiation and
       interaction, and collective discussion of issues such as sexual
       identity, desire and pleasure, the impact of HIV infection and AIDS, and
       the experience of stigma and discrimination in Brazilian society. Impact
       of workshop activities has been documented through the use of video
       recordings and pre- and post-workshop interviews with participants.
       RESULTS: Over an initial six month period, regular meetings have
       involved between 25-40 individuals per session. Pre- and post-workshop
       interviews demonstrate a significant increase in the positive erotic
       value associated with safer sex practices. The workshop has also been
       linked to an increased ability to discuss homosexuality and gay
       life-styles and the formation of increasingly dense friendship networks.
       DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Risk-reducing behavioral change on the part
       of men who have sex with men is particularly difficult in settings which
       lack strong community support structures. Information and education
       activities aimed at HIV/AIDS prevention are often not enough to provide
       incentive for behavioral change. Cultural activities such as theatre
       workshops can play an extremely important role in stimulating community
       attachment, affirming the value of safer sexual practices, and providing
       a context for a positive collective response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/
       PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION  Brazil  Gender Identity
       Homosexuality/*PSYCHOLOGY  Human  HIV Infections/*PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION  Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Life
       Style  Male  *Psychodrama  Risk Factors  Sex Behavior  Social Support
       MEETING ABSTRACT

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