ABSTRACT TEXT BACKGROUND: The Asian and Pacific Islander (API) youth population shows evidence of increased sexual activity, yet API youth have significantly less knowledge about safer sex methods and have the lowest understanding of HIV and other STIs compared to other racial and ethnic minorities. Cultural and immigration patterns of certain API populations places these adolescents at high risk for HIV/STIs. METHODS: To increase awareness and access to HIV/AIDS services, Asian American Community Teen Theater was developed to 1) increase awareness knowledge on HIV/AIDS, and 2) increase access and service utilization of HIV counseling and testing. AACTT is a 3 month intervention activity where API youth write, develop, and perform plays around HIV/AIDS. The intervention activity helps participants personalize recognize, and develop a prevention plan that is client centered, generationally appropriate, and culturally competent for self initiation and adherence to safer sex practices. RESULTS: Results include increased knowledge and perceptions on HIV/AIDS, increased service utilization of HIV counseling and testing services, and increased advocacy skills on HIV/AIDS to promote safer sex practices among peers. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing theater is an effective method to reach API youth on HIV/AIDS which can circumvent cultural issues in speaking openly about sexual behavior among the API youth population and promote access HIV counseling and testing services, HIV/AIDS education, and advocacy on HIV/AIDS to peers.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) List 3 factors to consider before starting a theater based prevention program. 2) Names some ways you can link the prevention program to direct clinical services. 3) Describe some barriers in developing a theater based program?
Keywords: Adolescents, HIV Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Asian Pacific Health Care Venture, Inc
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.