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102 CHAPTER 4 ■ Love, Sex, and HIV/AIDS

BOX 4-4 Evaluating Program H

To assess Program H’s impact in Mexico, researchers adapted Promundo’s
Gender Equity in Men (GEM) Scale to fit the cultural context of young men in
Mexico. The adapted scale measured traditional attitudes about gender roles
related to HIV/AIDS and pregnancy prevention, violence, sexual relationships,
domestic chores and caregiving, and homosexuality. Informants also provided
information on HIV-related risk, such as STI symptoms, condom use, and
number of sexual partners. A total of 270 young men aged 14 to 24
participated in a Program H workshop, and another 270 young men selected
as a control arm received a four-hour orientation on safer sex and awareness
of gender-based violence. Both groups completed a survey before the
intervention, immediately afterward, and three months later (Levack, 2003).
Respondents were asked whether they agreed, partially agreed, or
disagreed with each statement.
Sample Items From the GEM Scale
• Men are always ready to have sex.
• Women who carry condoms with them are “easy.”
• I would never have a gay friend.
• Changing diapers, giving the kids a bath, and feeding the kids are the
mother’s responsibility.
• I would be outraged if my wife asked me to use a condom.
• A woman should tolerate violence in order to keep her family together.
• There are times when a woman deserves to be beaten. (Pulerwitz et al.,
2006, pp. 15–16)
“The scale quantitatively measures changes in support for prevailing gender
norms,” explained Dr. Julie Pulerwitz of Horizons/PATH, one of the study’s
principal investigators. When combined with qualitative information, this data
help researchers identify shifts in gender roles within a community
(Hutchinson et al., 2004, p. 4).

Assessment for Program M is not complete, but anecdotal evidence indi-
cates the curriculum interventions are having positive results. The outcomes are
so positive, in fact, that the program has been adapted for use with young
women in India, where similar cultural norms exist.