Key informant survey: Professional organizations and HIV prevention

Aboriginal Nurse, The, Apr 2000

The Prevention and Community Action Programs (PCAP) - is a unit within the HIV/AIDS Policy, Coordination and Programs Division at Health Canada. Part of PCAP's role under the Canadian HIV/AIDS Strategy is to address the goals related to HIV prevention, and to provide leadership for the development of national prevention policies, strategies, and initiatives developed in consultation with partners.

In February 1999, PCAP funded a key informant survey on HIV Prevention in fourteen national professional associations* representing nurses, physicians, teachers, social workers, and other health care workers. The survey sought to (i) identify what they have done in the area of prevention of HIV, (ii) examine emerging issues in relation to HIV prevention, and (iii) identify current and future needs in this area.

The results of this survey have proven to be useful to all participants. It is positive to note that all surveyed associations have done HIV/AIDS work in the area of care, treatment and support and consequently many have developed secondary prevention interventions for HIV-positive people. However, while most participants had an awareness of primary prevention, their associations lacked the resources, education and training to help integrate prevention strategies into their memberships' current work. Participants recognize that prevention is the most effective way to reduce HIV transmission rates.

One key finding indicates that professional development in the area of HIV prevention is needed. In particular, that development ought to be integrated into broader health themes. In addition, it is clear that those working in primary care need more education and training in working with diverse and/or marginalized clients. On a practical level, it was suggested that prevention resources be concise and accessible for easy reference.

PCAP is committed to working with professional associations in order to move prevention work forward. The results of the key informant survey will serve as a guide to shape future work in this area.

Resources

Below you will find some of the most frequently requested prevention resources on specific populations. These can be obtained or borrowed from the Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse - (613) 725-3434. (Bold indicates the resource is available in French-and-Enel-ish)

1. "Bright red hair . . . and sliced bread": models of HIV/AIDS youth programs in Canada

2. Sharp shooters: handy health tips for safer injection drug use

3. First Nations HIV/TB training kit

4. Women at risk: issues in the primary prevention of AIDS

5. Safe spaces: HIV prevention for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth

*List participating Associations

Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Canadian Nurses Association, Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, Order des infirmieres et infirmiers du Quebec, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Paediatric Society, Canadian Psychiatric Association, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Canadian Association of Social Workers, Canadian Psychological Association, Canadian Teachers Federation, Canadian Public Health Association, Canadian Pharmacists Association