An evaluation of performance-arts based HIV-prevention events in London with 13- 16-year-olds.

Aim: The London borough of Newham is ethnically diverse and is one of the poorest regions in the UK. Rates of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are high compared to the rest of the country. One strand of the local school-based HIV-prevention programme for young people utilizes performance arts as a tool for HIV education and prevention. This study evaluated HIV knowledge, confidence and intention to use a condom in two groups of 13—16 year olds who had participated in performance-based events.Method: Group 1 (n = 14) participated in a six-week programme of performance arts-based HIV education and prevention workshops, which culminated in a theatre-based performance. Group 2 (n = 65) were audience members who attended the performance. Participants completed a short questionnaire containing both qualitative and quantitative items.Results: Qualitative data suggested that the participants had learned about condoms and their efficacy in preventing acquisition of HIV and sexually...