SMILE Study reaches out to young LGBTQ+ students in Can Tho city in a significant community event

Earlier in April, Can Tho CDC coordinated with LADDERS, along with 4 local community-based organizations and 13 universities and colleges to successfully organize a tremendous community event entitled “SAFE-UNI Festival |Color of Me” at Can Tho University. This festival was the biggest gathering of young people in Can Tho yet, engaging nearly 1000 students to celebrate diversity, pride and unity as well as raise awareness and enhance knowledge about HIV/AIDS as well as promote safe sex practices and health seeking habits. This special event featured a variety of exciting activities including “Sketch your Dream”, the “SAFE LOVE, LOVE SAFE” parade, fun games on the D.Health app, the HIV/AIDS trivia on stage, and guest performances from popular KOLs, etc. And the SMILE study booth was among the highlights of the event.

The booth was set up at the most crowded area outside the auditorium next to 4 CBO’s display booths, with QR codes for young people to scan and complete the research on their smart devices during the event. Young people were curious and attracted to booth where they were briefed in detail about the study and guided through the process of finishing all the questions with additional inquiries answered and technical support available. There was always a queue of young people around the SMILE booth. As a result, 172 valid complete research sheets were collected with 744 young people scanning and participating in the study. Precious key findings include experiences and stories of young LGBTQ+ individuals in Can Tho city related to stigma, discrimination and mental health issues. Even those who are not LGBTQ+ boosted understanding, broadened knowledge and fostered empathy for reducing discrimination and facilitating tolerance and love.

Currently, LIFE is collaborating with the Can Tho community organization to collect more questionnaires after the event.