SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR HIV PREVENTION PROGRAM MANAGERS - A NATIONAL SURVEY

This study's objective was to find out if HIV prevention program plann ers seek out science in designing interventions, and if not, where the y turn for prevention information. Researchers conducted a survey of 2 84 program managers of AIDS prevention programs across the United Stat es. Respondents' three most important sources of information were peer s and colleagues, departments of public health (DPH) and the centers f or Disease Control (CDC). The four least important sources included sc ientific publications and government reports. We find that most progra m managers do not turn to research, nor do they perceive it as an impo rtant source of information. They turn to each other, their DPH, and t he CDC. Theu authors have made suggestions for researchers, community- based organizations, state DPHs, and the CDC to close the gap between HIV prevention science and prevention practice. We must ensure that ou r efforts will not be wasted, and we can make a difference in the figh t against HIV.