Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

HIV Issues and Mapuches in Chile

2008; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 19; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jana.2008.03.002

1552-6917

Rosina Cianelli, Lilian Ferrer, Báltica Cabieses, Alejandra-Ximena Araya, Cristina Matsumoto, Sarah Miner,

Sex work and related issues

Chile is a country with an incipient HIV epidemic.Just as in other countries, disadvantaged groups in Chile are contributing to the increased incidence of the disease.The Mapuche indigenous population is one such group that has been affected by the spread of HIV.However, no prevention programs are tailored to the culturally specific needs of this community.In recognition of this discrepancy, an academic-community partnership was formed to develop an HIV educational module for a Mapuche community.The module was developed for use as part of an already established health-related program.The aims of the module were to identify perceptions about HIV among Mapuches and present information specific to HIV and its prevention.Focus was placed on cultural sensitivity.The module was carried out in connection with a first-aid course in an attempt to increase effectiveness of the intervention by working jointly with an established community program.Sixteen ( 16) Mapuches participated voluntarily and demonstrated some knowledge regarding HIV, but they lacked an overall understanding as to how it is transmitted and why prevention strategies are affective.Participants correctly identified sexual contact as a means of transmission, but when asked why, one person stated, "I just know it, I read it."There were significant barriers to communication within the group, secondary to cultural practices related to age and gender.Major obstacles in controlling HIV are the lack of prevention strategies targeted to disadvantaged groups.The module developed for this intervention was the first effort of the Academic