Changes in knowledge attitudes and practices among male transvestites and bar girls in Tahiti in response to the threat of HIV infection 1991-1996.

From 1991-96 three studies were conducted in Tahiti to assess the knowledge attitudes and behaviors of transvestites prostitutes and `bar girls about HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) problems. Besides HIV and other STD (syphilis hepatitis B and chlamydia) serological screening tests were performed on this population during each study. No new HIV infection case was detected from 1991-96. However the knowledge attitudes and behaviors of these populations concerning HIV/STD did not improve significantly despite several public health information and HIV prevention campaigns. The objectives and approaches of the prevention strategy should be revised and adapted with cultural specificities to improve their effectiveness. (authors)