Abstract

ARAGONES LOPEZ, Carlos et al. HelpLine: A Cuban STD/HIV/AIDS counselling service _characteristics of users, 1998-2000 . Rev Cubana Med Trop [online]. 2008, vol.60, n.2. ISSN 0375-0760.

Background: HIV epidemic constitutes a problem for the humanity. In Cuba, HelpLine, a counseling service offered by the National Center of STD/HIV/AIDS Prevention, is involved in this struggle. Objective: to reach the population groups affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic such as the men that have sex with other men (MSM) aged 16 to 35 years Methods: A study to characterize the service users in the period 1998 - 2000. Results: In this period, 25 896 phone calls were received, with a monthly average of 925 calls. The results demonstrated that main service users were heterosexual people of both sexes, who spoke about their concern for the epidemic and risk behaviors like non-use of condom, having any STD and having sexual relations with a person affected by a STD. They had middle and university educational level and their ages ranged from 16 to 35 years. They generally called once and fundamentally from Havana City. The men mainly addressed sexual practice risks, genital lesions, sexual dysfunctions, HIV/AIDS and condom use, whereas women dealt with other issues related to the couple, the family, motherhood and fatherhood and other STDs. Conclusions: The study showed that this service is able to reach target groups, but it is necessary to redefine strategies to attract more the MSM and to implement differentiated actions according to the sex.

Keywords : counseling service by telephone; assessment; STD; HIV; AIDS; Cuba; HelpLine.

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