| Summary: | Background: In Latin America, young men and women are the fastest
growing group living with, or at high risk for HIV. Young people are
particularly vulnerable due to their sexual behavior; use of illicit drugs;
lack of access to education and health services; cultural, economical
and social factors; structural violence; marginalization and poverty.
Methods: A systematic literature review of evaluations of HIV
educational programs for young people published in international
databases within the last four years was performed. Specialized
educational evaluation books, primary and secondary documents and
gray literature were consulted too, to identify the principal features of
successful programs that could be adapted and implemented in Latin
America, taking into account its particular historical and contextual
conditions. Results: T he r eview i dentified 1 20 d ocuments r elated
to the evaluation of HIV educational programs. Programs were
categorized as successful if they: exceeded the "ABC" (Abstinence,
Be faithful, Condom use) methodology; were supported by national
authorities; used participative instruction methods; presented
comprehensive information, including general HIV education, risk
reduction practices, methods of contraception and condom use,
respect for sexual and gender diversity; and guaranteed the join
and permanence of young people into the educational programs.
Conclusions: Successful HIV/AIDS educational programs promote the
acquisition of protective though processes and behaviors by focusing
on the historical, contextual, psycho-social, and sexual factors that
affect behavior and health. An education committed to HIV/AIDS
prevention has to be accessible to young people through the schools
and must support life conditions that allow them to take advantage
of learning opportunities. In this way, can young people acquire the
knowledge, abilities, competences, values, and attitudes that make
it possible to overcome the conditions of vulnerability they face. An
education committed to the reconstruction of citizenship of young
people will contribute to decreasing HIV transmission and the impact
of the pandemic.
|
|---|