Development of two gender-specific, peer-led sexual health promotion workshops for African American college students: Findings from a pilot study

Background: Risk factors for sexually transmitted infection (STI) among African American college students include their age, behaviors, and membership in dense social networks. Limited STI prevention initiatives are underway at the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Methods: We adapted an evidence-based HIV/AIDS prevention intervention for African American women, adding a strong emphasis on self- efficacy, self-respect, and healthy relationships. We developed a companion intervention for heterosexually identified men. The intervention emphasizes healthy masculinity and healthy relationships, as well as sexual health promotion. This focus on healthy relationships capitalizes on cultural assets. We refined these interventions and trained peer educators to lead them at several HBCUs in the mid-Atlantic region. We evaluated this project through surveys, structured observations, and focus group discussions. Results: The gender-specific approach was appealing to both sexes. A one-session intervention was the most feasible, and delivering the content in this time frame was challenging. Some environmental strengths and weaknesses should be considered when planning an intervention in this setting. Strategies to improve recruitment, particularly among men, will be discussed. Both male and female students had high levels of knowledge about how STIs are transmitted, but exposure to misinformation was also common. Early results found that men were particularly responsive to the discussions of healthy masculinity and healthy relationships. Conclusion: An affirmative focus on supporting healthy relationships norms has yielded early positive results among students at a small group of HBCUs.