Power of Youth Voices: Youth Engagement in CBPR Translating Research to Action

BACKGROUND: While evidence-based behavioral interventions for African American youth exist, the disproportionate impact of HIV on the African American community warrants new approaches in HIV prevention with African American youth. To better understand the needs of African American youth related to HIV prevention it is important to develop genuine partnerships between HIV prevention researchers and African American youth, actively engaging youth in the research process. METHODS: Six African American youth agreed to serve on a community advisory board including youth, parents, faith-leaders, community-based organization staff, and academic researchers. The focus group method was used to engage these 6 youth in identifying important issues in their communities related to youth HIV prevention that required further research. The photovoice method was then employed to engage 10 African American youth in exploring the issues identified further and pursuing action related to their findings. RESULTS: In the focus groups, participants identified negative stereotypes and low expectations of youth, youth isolation, and family problems as important challenges, and youth talents and skills as important resources in their communities related to HIV prevention that needed further examination. Through photovoice these topics were examined in greater depth and action steps were identified to address these issues building upon youth strengths, including increasing awareness through presenting the findings at a national conference (two youth will be co-presenting this presentation with the lead author). CONCLUSION: Genuinely involving youth in HIV prevention research illuminated important research questions and action steps that enhanced HIV prevention research of a community-academic partnership.