Audiovisual Reviews

AIDS: The Facts of Life

Producer: Snow Stone Productions

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, 27 min., 1988, $397.00 (GSA contract cost for VA facilities is $197.50)

Target Audience: Patient Health Educators

Synopsis: This program includes commentary from medical professionals and a discussion group composed of adults who share their views and fears on dating, sex, and AIDS. Points discussed include: (1) information, awareness, and education as means of preventing the spread of AIDS; (2) condition of the immune system in relationship to HIV infection; (3) options to control AIDS; (4) modes of transmission; (5) safe, probably safe and unsafe behaviors; (6) cofactors and lifestyle as contributors to risk of infection; (7) communication between potential sexual partners; and (8) testing and confidentiality. Animation is used to demonstrate how the virus affects the immune system. Betty Dobson, author of "Sex for One," provides instruction on the proper use of a condom. Organizations to contact for additional information are shown at the end of the program.

Evaluation: The goal of this adult education program is to provide information about AIDS by discussing medical and social issues and to dispel common myths about the virus. Education is emphasized as the most effective preventive measure to control the disease and safer sex practices are encouraged. Very useful video.

Availability: Altschul Group, Inc., 1560 Sherman Ave., Suite 100, Evanston, IL 60201. Telephone: (800) 421-2363.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

AIDS: Training People With Disabilities How to Better Protect Themselves

Producer: Young Adult Institute, 460 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001-2382. Telephone: (212) 563-7474.

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, 20 min., 1987, $145 + $4.00 S&H

Target Audience: Counselors, Social Workers, Patient Health Educators

Synopsis: A counselor at the Young Adult Institute introduces and narrates this videotape which provides information to teach people with disabilities how to better protect themselves from AIDS through safer sex. In the program, a question appears on the screen and the counselor provides an answer. After each point is made, the instructor using the tape is told to stop the tape and discuss the material. The major points covered are: (1) how AIDS is contracted; (2) methods of protection; (3) how to use a condom properly; (5) safer sex; and (6) three role-playing dramatizations in which individuals in three different situations are pressured to engage in sexual activity without protection.

Related Materials: A 23-page Trainer's Manual is designed for step-by-step instruction to accompany the training video.

Evaluation: This training tape, along with the training manual, does not guarantee that individuals will be fully protected from AIDS, but it unquestionably increases the likelihood of their learning how to better protect themselves. The arrangement of the tape and the guide is conducive to learning by allowing the instructor to stop the tape and use the written material after each point is made. This ensures that individuals correctly understand the information. Sexually explicit scenes are included. This unique video is highly recommended for this target audience.

Availability: Same as producer.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

The Best Defense

Producer: Focal Point Productions and The Los Angeles County Drug Abuse Program Office

Publication Year: 1988

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, 20 min., 1988, $239.00. Also available in Spanish

Target Audience: Public Health Educators, Counselors, Social Workers

Synopsis: This video is divided into three separate scenes. It begins with four recovering addicts who recreate getting high on heroin. One of them chooses to bleach the needle and syringe before shooting up and he explains the importance of this practice to prevent the transmission of AIDS. The correct procedure for bleaching needles is then demonstrated. The second scene portrays a couple discussing condoms as a means of protection. This leads into an animated segment about condoms by using World War II newsreel footage with an 80's slant. The third scene depicts a Latino couple confronting the early signs of HIV infection and its effect on the family.

Related Materials: The Discussion Guide, created by The Los Angeles County Drug Abuse Program Office, contains sections corresponding to points presented in the video. Suggested follow-up discussion points for each scene, basic facts about HIV/AIDS, prevention, and resources are also included.

Evaluation: This video, combined with the Discussion Guide, can be used as a teaching tool to assist counselors and public health educators to provide AIDS education to intravenous drug users. The producers recommend that the video be shown in three educational sessions, rather than in its entirety at one session. This will enable educators to distribute AIDS education material and encourage discussion within the group. The primary purpose of the video is to show how HIV can be transmitted by sharing needles and participating in unprotected sexual activities.

Availability: Intermedia, 1300 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109. Telephone: (800) 553-8336. In Washington state, call collect (202) 282-7262.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

Choices: AIDS Prevention

Producer: National Safety Council

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, 20 min., 1988, $198.00

Target Audience: Patient Health Educators

Synopsis: A group of young people who are friends discover that the brother of one of the members may have AIDS. This leads to a discussion about the disease with emphasis on modes of transmission and condom use as a means of protection. During a later scene three of the young women discuss the best approach to persuade a sexual partner to use a condom. Next, two of the young men talk about their responsibility to use condoms without being asked. The main point of the film is that individuals can make choices to prevent HIV infection and that includes using condoms.

Related Materials: A Guide to Teaching About AIDS and twenty Student Booklets provide additional information for an education program.

Evaluation: This program is totally oriented toward young people who can easily identify with the actors. The participants and narrators are young men and women who must confront the reality of AIDS on a personal level. The information contained in the video is limited; therefore, the Guide and the Student Booklets should be used. The language is frank and realistic and will be easily understood by teenagers and college students.

Availability: Intermedia, Inc., 1300 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109. Telephone: (800) 553-8336. In Washington state, call collect (202) 282-7262.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

Condom-Eze: A User's Guide

Producer: Focal Point Productions

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, 5 min., 1988, $98.00

Target Audience: Public Health Educators, Counselors, Social Workers

Synopsis: This five minute presentation is the animated segment which uses WW II footage taken from the video The Best Defense reviewed elsewhere. The video demonstrates in a humorous manner the proper use of condoms without showing human anatomy. This includes a condom being rolled onto the dirigible Hindenburg and the 1940's segment which shows a department store "prophylactic sale."

Evaluation: This program encourages the use of condoms and safer sex practices. It demonstrates the proper use of condoms in a humorous, dramatic fashion. This short excerpt will be an effective introduction to an education program for the general public. Content is frank and explicit.

Availability: Intermedia, Inc., 1300 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109. Telephone: (800) 553-8336. In Washington state, call collect (202) 282-7262.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

Safer Sex

Producer: PAD/WPF Productions

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, color, 19 min., 1987, $89.95

Target Audience: Social Workers, Public Health Educators

Synopsis: This televised program, hosted by Debi Chard, examines the impact of AIDS on the heterosexual community and preventive measures for sexually transmitted diseases, particularly AIDS. A major segment of the video covers a computerized dating service which requires individuals to obtain a personalized identification card after being tested for HIV. The last part of the program is an interview with Dr. Marian La Via, Immunologist, and Dr. John Roberts, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. Dr. La Via discusses asymptomatic individuals, denial among adolescents, condoms as a means of prevention, and the percentage of AIDS cases by heterosexual contact. Dr. Roberts discusses the tendency of people to deny their sexual activity, the belief that only certain classes and types of people can contract the disease, antibody testing, and the effect of AIDS on heterosexual sexual behavior.

Evaluation: This program effectively emphasizes that anyone who is sexually active is at risk for infection and that total safer sex does not exist. Abstinence and monogamous relationships betweeen uninfected people are presented as the safest measures for prevention; those who are sexually active should use condoms. Although the content is informative, this is not a good production because the transitions between scenes are abrupt and the interview at the end of the video is terminated without explanation.

Availability: Films for the Humanities and Sciences, P.O. Box 2053, 743 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 08540. Telephone: (800) 257-5126. In New Jesey, call (609) 452-1128.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

AIDS Antibody Test Counseling

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, 19 min., 1987

Target Audience: Counselors

Synopsis: This program covers three role-playing sessions between a counselor and a white female who requests an HIV antibody test. In the first visit, the counselor informs the individual that unprotected sex should be eliminated, explains the need for retesting if exposed during the past three months, and offers a brochure containing safer sex guidelines and phone numbers of counseling services. In the second session, the female is informed that the result was negative. As she was involved in unprotected sex two weeks before the test, however, retesting is necessary. The counselor suggests a review of safer sex guidelines. In the last session, the female is informed that the result was positive. Counselor discusses what a positive result means, the implications of informing her physician, offers to notify sexual partners and to provide local phone numbers of those who can provide additional counseling or answer any future questions.

Related Materials: The Viewer's Guide contains profiles of the video participants, a transcript of the program, and discussion questions.

Evaluation: These sessions do not provide a positive learning experience for the viewer. Although the first two sessions offer pertinent information on antibody testing and safer sex guidelines, the counselor's role reveals a lack of empathy and understanding necessary for effective counseling.

Availability: Multi-Focus, Inc., 1525 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109. Telephone: (415) 673-5100.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

Counseling the HIV Antibody Positive Patient

Producer: Niemach/Hassett Productions, Inc.

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, 16 min., 1987

Target Audience: Physicians, Counselors

Synopsis: This is a role-playing dramatization with a white, married, bisexual male, who has tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus, and his family physician. The physician provides a model for counseling through an interactive exchange. The main points covered include: (1) an explanation of the test results; (2) the physician's assurance of confidentiality and trust; (3) taking a sexual history; (4) determining the presence of any symptoms; (5) a discussion of, and the need for, safer sex practices; (6) the obligation of the patient to inform his dentist and other health care workers of his test results; and (7) the physician's offer to provide further assistance.

Evaluation: This program prevides an excellent, positive example for counseling. The physician's understanding, compassion and nonjudgmental manner provide a model of high professional standards to those who treat and/or counsel HIV positive patients.

Availability: Los Angeles County Medical Society, 1925 Wilshire Blvd., Venice, CA 90057. Telephone: (213) 483-1581.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

The AIDS Antibody Blood Test: A Guide to Patient Counseling

Producer: Network for Continuing Medical Education, 1 Harman Plaza, Secaucus, NJ 07094. Telephone: (800) 223-0272

Description: 3/4 in. videocassette, 15 min., 1988

Target Audience: Physicians, Counselors

Synopsis: Two primary care physicians provide information to conduct a counseling session for an HIV antibody blood test. A pre- and post-test interview session with a patient are demonstrated. The physicians alternatively discuss the following: (1) main points of pre-test counseling; (2) assessing patient risk; (3) educating the patient on risk reduction and prevention; (4) explaining the meaning of the test; and (5) main points of post- test counseling for both negative and positive results. The need for confidentiality, explaining test results, and providing information to access medical and support services are emphasized.

Related Materials: A brochure provides physician guidelines for patient counseling.

Evaluation: These two physicians have counseled patients in New York City for three years and that experience is effectively demonstrated. The presentation is nonjudgmental, professional and empathetic. The guidelines apply to all patients. This fifteen minute program is highly recommended to physicians.

Availability: Same as producer.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

The AIDS Antibody Test

Producer: San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 333 Valencia Street, 4th Floor, POB. 6182, San Francisco, CA 94101-6182. Telephone: (415) 861-3397

Description: 1/2 in. videocassette, 15 min., 1987

Target Audience: Counselors

Synopsis: Dr. Paul Volberding and newscaster Belva Davis present information pertaining to pre-testing for HIV. They discuss: (1) how the virus is and is not transmitted; (2) what the HIV antibody test results mean; (3) the infectious state of HIV positive individuals; (4) ways to prevent exposure to the virus with emphasis on safer sex practices; (5) the importance of anonymous testing; and (7) the need for counseling when being tested. The video illustrates the effect of the virus on the immune system. Individuals relate their reactions to positive test results.

Evaluation: This brief presentation provides basic facts about pre-testing for HIV antibodies. No indepth treatment of counseling is provided, but the descriptions of the common modes of transmission and precautionary measures to prevent exposure to the virus offer a general introduction to those who may have no or little information about HIV testing. This video will be most useful in an educational program for the public and college students.

Availability: Same as producer.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.

HIV: Testing and Risk Assessment

Producer: East Central AIDS Education and Training Center, The Ohio State University, Department of Family Medicine, Area 300, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212. Telephone: (614) 292-1400. Producer/Director: Kevin M. Jones and Susan A. Farmer

Description: 1/2 in videocassette, Color, 20 min., 1989

Target Audience: Physicians

Synopsis: This program, narrated by Renee Burkley, RN, Centers for Disease Control, covers: (1) the importance of testing so that individuals can be identified and counseled to prevent further transmission; (2) the determination for HIV testing by a person's history or physical examination; (3) the incorporation of sensitive questions pertinent to AIDS in history tracing; (4) the importance of initiating pretest counseling when HIV testing is indicated; (5) written consent for testing; (6) enzyme linked immunosorbot assay test; (7) the confirmatory Western Blot; and (8) the counseling approach to positive and negative test results. Dr. Para comments on how the physician can use the information obtained from a history taking, the implications of the incidence of AIDS cases among various groups, when to use the EIA test and Western Blot, how the physician should approach a counseling session, and the positive aspects and benefits of testing.

Related Materials: A Discussion Leader's Guide includes program information, abstract, learning objectives, discussion questions and additional resources.

Evaluation: This video provides excellent information for risk assessment and the need for HIV testing when clinically indicated. Dr. Para emphasizes that only those who have a history indicating possible exposure to HIV infection should be tested and the benefits of obtaining test results early include treatment and therapy as they can prolong life.

Availability: Same as producer.

Reviewer Info: Michael Howe, AIDS Information Center, Library Service (142D), VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121. Telephone: (415) 221-4810 ext 3305. FTS 700- 470-3305.