HIV prevention and crack harm reduction using projection mapping in Mexico City

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health Interventions
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• Crack cocaine use and associated HIV/HCV infections are rising in Mexico.
• Reaching at-risk populations with health education remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Tirando Esquina: Interviniendo Muros de Salud (TE:IMS) project.
• To assess the impact of projection mapping technology on health education and harm reduction for crack users in Mexico City.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm intervention using projection mapping and street-based health promoters.
• Nine projection mapping episodes were conducted, distributing safer crack kits.
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed crack use, paraphernalia sharing, and HIV knowledge (n=58).

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in weekly crack use, paraphernalia sharing, and use of cans as pipes.
• Increased use of Pyrex pipes and qualitative evidence of improved HIV perceptions and knowledge.
• The intervention demonstrated initial effectiveness in promoting harm reduction.

Conclusions:

• The TE:IMS project successfully delivered health education and harm reduction strategies to crack-smoking populations.
• Projection mapping is a viable innovative tool for community-level health interventions.
• Findings support the initial effectiveness of novel approaches for at-risk substance users.