Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center

A Multi-Method Approach to STI and HIV/AIDS Prevention Among Urban Minority Youth

Description

African Americans are the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV. In 2010, an estimated 7,000 African American youth accounted for all new HIV infections, while Hispanic and white youth accounted for an estimated 2,390 and 2,380 of new HIV infections, respectively.  In addition, African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Having an STI can make one more likely to get HIV. To address this health disparity, researchers at the Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center (PRC) will conduct a research project to reduce STI and HIV infections among African American youth.

The Morehouse PRC’s research project consists of four arms:

1. The Be A Responsible Teen (BART) program
2. A social marketing program and a parental component
3. An approach based on the HIV-RAAP program (a HIV risk reduction program for African American men and women) that will include media literacy
4. A comparison group

Researchers will compare each of the arms to determine the most effective method for decreasing sexual encounters and risky sexual behaviors among African American youth. They plan to recruit a total of 384 African American youth, ages 14-18, through four Neighborhood Planning Units (NPU) in Atlanta (a fifth site will also be used for social media messages developed from Arm 3). These NPU sites include local Boys and Girls clubs, YMCAs, and other community organizations and will also serve as locations for the four arms of the research study to be conducted. All four arms will happen simultaneously for eight weeks each with up to 12 participants. They will meet from 90-120 minutes on a weekly basis. Comparisons of participants will be assessed prior to the eight weeks, at the end of the eight weeks, and then six and 12 months following the research study.

This research study aims to decrease the number of new HIV/STI infections among young African Americans by reducing risky sexual behaviors. Research results will be shared through presentations, manuscripts, and a book.

Project Identifier A Multi-Method Approach to STI and HIV/AIDS Prevention Among Urban Minority Youth

Funding Source PRC Program

Project Status Active

Host Institution Morehouse School of Medicine

Health Topics HIV/AIDS | STD prevention

Research setting Community

Race or ethnicity African American or Black

Gender No specific focus

Age group Adolescents (12-17)

Contact Information Center
Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center
1513 E. Cleveland Avenue
East Point, GA 30344

Principal Investigator
Tabia Henry Akintobi
takintobi@msm.edu

PRC Deputy Director
Lisa Goodin, MBA
Phone: (404) 752-1547
lgoodin@msm.edu