Evaluation of the impact of news coverage of an HIV multiclass drug-resistant cluster in Seattle, Washington.

OBJECTIVES

In February 2007, Public Health-Seattle and King County issued a press release describing a cluster of multiclass drug-resistant HIV cases among men who had sex with men (MSM). We evaluated the effect of the press release among MSM in the Seattle area.

METHODS

We administered a rapid assessment survey at venues where MSM congregate. Eligible participants were men who had sex with men in the past year, were older than 18 years, and were residents of western Washington State.

RESULTS

Among 325 participants, 57% heard or saw messages related to the press release. Of these, 87% remembered 1 or more key points, but only 5% remembered key prevention messages. Ninety-eight percent of participants thought it was important for the health department to get the message out about drug-resistant HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

The press release was found to be a useful and well-received method to inform the public about an HIV drug-resistant cluster. Low retention and nonprominent coverage of key prevention messages suggests that health departments using press releases as a prevention tool need to carefully consider placement and emphasis of those messages in a press statement.