Use of social media to increase HIV/AIDS awareness, testing and support among the young LGBTs in Kampala city: A case study in Uganda

7^th International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs and STIs

March 18-19, 2019 | New York, USA

Ssembatya Benard

Vijana Na Children Foundation,Uganda

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS CLIN RES

Abstract :

Introduction: Research shows that young LGBTs in Kampala have less access to HIV information, testing and support thereby being at risk of HIV infections. Vijana Na Children Foundation, Uganda (VINACEF) used social media to provide access to information and support services. This study focussed on observing whether youth LGBTs who access HIV information can seek testing and support from â??â??friendlyâ??â?? providers.

Methodology: VINACEF approached leaders of LGBTs who helped us to identify LGBTS peers (60 in total aged 19-25 and 40 were male). VINACEF trained them as peer educators in prevention and support. It enrolled them on social media to help with rolling out the opening of peersâ?? accounts and orienting them on usage. VINACEF peer educators issued coupons to enable â??â??peersâ??â?? for access internet periodically. Educators started social media discussions on HIV awareness and support. Peer Educators issued referrals/ treatment vouchers to enable LGBTS peers to access free services and more information in â??â??friendlyâ??â?? centers. A data tracking tool was developed/ used to collect data periodically, analyzed it to come up with results. A total of 948 peers were reached during the study.

Results: 43% HIV/AIDS-related risks awareness, prevention, and care among young LGBTs were realized from 51% at baseline. 35% of the target peers had social media accounts at baseline compared to 98% at the end of the study. 91% MSM compared to 71% WSW ably used social media to share concerns with â??â??their peersâ??â??. 61% WSW picked coupons to access testing services compared to 89%MSM. At baseline, 42% believed that circumcision stops HIV transmission compared to 8% at the end of the study. 13% of enrolled peers tested positive to HIV, enrolled on ART program and support groups. 24% accessed STIsâ?? treatment and 88% accessed condoms.

Conclusion: Findings suggested that a big proportion of young LGBTs in Kampala can access HIV related information through social media and accelerate HIV awareness among them. Young LGBTs friendly strategies should be explored to increase access to services. Knowledge of circumcision should be intensified and appropriate networks for support are important in warranting young LGBTS access to services.

Biography :

E-mail: vinacefuganda@gmail.com