The Sydney 'PLAY IT SAFE' Program: An Evaluation of an HIV/AIDS Awareness Raising Program for Men from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds

The relatively low rates of HIV/AIDS in Australia can be attributed to extensive and well publicised prevention programs. However, it is not known if there are differential risks of HIV/AIDS for people from non-English speaking backgrounds, particularly given the reluctance in some migrant communities to discuss HIV/AIDS issues. An innovative program was implemented with soccer clubs in Sydney, which have a very high proportion of followers from non-English speaking backgrounds. Educational materials were distributed to male spectators at games, a high profile sticker and poster campaign was implemented and clubs supported the project in a number of ways after extensive liaison. Two hundred and one male spectators aged 18 to 50 years, and generally from non-English speaking backgrounds, were selected randomly (44% response rate) at three games and asked a series of questions about recall of project messages and HIV/AIDS risk behaviour. Recall of the project slogan 'PLAY IT SAFE' was high (66%) and significantly higher among frequent game attenders. Twenty per cent of respondents were considered at potentially elevated risk of HIV/AIDS, with older men and smokers significantly more likely to be at potentially elevated risk. Ethnicity was not associated with greater risk.