Romania (2005): HIV/AIDS TRaC Study among Roma Males (15-30 Years). Second Round

Abstract

The objective of this research was two-fold: (1) to evaluate the Interpersonal Communication (IPC) intervention on sexual health implemented among young Roma males (aged 15-30) in selected neighborhood of Bucharest between 2004 and 2005; and (2) to provide a baseline for future interventions with this population. The intervention and research was funded by USAID through the RiskNet Regional Project implemented by PSI Romania. The purpose was to test an STI/HIV edutainment intervention for replicability in other communities in Romania or in other Balkan countries with NGO partners. The study employed a pre-post case-comparison design. The intervention and comparison neighborhoods were chosen apriori, based on PSI's activities in certain areas, and selection of similar neighborhoods. The baseline and follow-up survey methodologies differed somewhat, primarily in the selection of participants (further described in Annex 2, Methodology). The questionnaire was conducted with trained interviewers, and consisted of 41 items covering selected behaviors, their determinants, and at follow-up, also exposure to the intervention. Analyses were conducted using STATA 8.2 statistical package