Background: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the sixth leading cause of death among Americans 15 to 24. Of the 40,000 new infections annually, it is estimated that at least half are among people under 25 who were infected sexually. These trends highlight the importance of developing effective approaches to HIV prevention among teens. Purpose: To address prevention among 10th graders in a New York City public high school, an innovative model was designed to focus on HIV transmission, prevention and safer sex and to modify behaviors and cognitions. Content: Based on the HIV educational guidelines mandated by New York State, an HIV prevention model, comprised of six comprehensive 50-minute sessions, was designed. Traditional didactic lessons were enhanced to incorporate the Social Cognitive Theory, the Transtheoretical Model and Life Skills Training. Led by trained facilitators from local colleges and medical schools, the exercises modify adolescent high-risk behaviors by teaching the skills necessary to recognize and challenge pressured situations. Methods: To assess the efficacy of the program, face-to-face interviews, industry recognized tools and program-specific questionnaires were used for pre and post evaluation. Results: Ninety students received the intervention. Post intervention findings and 6-month follow up data will be presented. The discussion will describe the exercises and techniques identified to be most effective with adolescent populations, barriers and successes to integrating curricula guidelines with an interactive model and recommendations for educators.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the APHA participant should be able to recognize the need for HIV prevention programs targeting urban adolescents; identify three effective exercises to use with adolescent populations; identify barriers and successes to integrating mandated curricula guidelines with an interactive model; discuss how this type of model can be applied to other teen risk problems
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Adolescent Health Alliance
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.