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HIV prevention campaigns increased public awareness, safe behavior

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Greater understanding and safer behavior were reported by residents of Washington, D.C., after the promotion of three HIV prevention campaigns, according to a press release.

The DC Takes on HIV, Ask for the Test and Rubber Revolution programs were initiated by the HIV/AIDS, STD, Hepatitis and TB Administration (HAHSTA), an agency within the district’s Department of Health. Each promoted programs on HIV awareness and steps to reduce its spread.

“We know that DC Takes on HIV and its companion campaigns work,” Joxel Garcia, MD, director of the DC Department of Health, said in the release. “Providing those resources is the first step to combating HIV.”

Braun Research conducted telephone interviews with 810 residents, aged 24 to 64, from Jan. 3 through Feb. 4. Forty-four percent of the respondents recalled DC Takes on HIV, 39% recalled Ask for the Test and 14% recalled the Rubber Revolution programs, part of a 5-year HIV prevention marketing campaign.

Seventy-one percent of the respondents were aware of the city’s free condom services because of the campaigns, and 50% said they gained new information about HIV and testing, according to the survey. Twenty-seven percent said they had been tested for HIV, and 28% said they used condoms more frequently due to the programs.

“Our social marketing efforts bridge the awareness gap between D.C.’s world-class HIV/AIDS services and residents in every ward,” Michael Kharfen, senior deputy director of HAHSTA, said in the release. “With what we’ve learned from this study, we can continue to make improvements to our outreach efforts and increase resident access to sexual health services.”