4110.1: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 6

Abstract #15063

Community outreach by teens to adults for STD prevention

Capre Gaynor1, Frances Hubbard, BS, MS2, Nancy Burns, NP3, David Buchanan, PhD4, Paul Etkind, DrPH, MPH5, and SAHP Steering Committee1. (1) Gandara, 110 Maple St, Springfield, MA 01105, 413-732-2009, N/A, (2) Springfield Adolescent Health Project, PO Box 80405, Forest Park Station, Springfield, MA 01108, (3) Brightwood Health Center, 380 Plainfield St, Springfield, MA 01107, (4) School of Public Health, University of Massachusetts, Arnold House, Amherst, MA 01003, (5) Division of STD Prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 305 South St, Boston, MA 02130

Peer outreach education has commonly been used to "reach" teens at greater risk of STD/HIV. The teen health workers of the Springfield Adolescent Health Project (SAHP) have realized that another pathway to reducing peer risks is to reach out to parents and adults in the community to help improve cross-generation communication about matters related to sex, sexuality, and STD.

A KABB administered in 1994 revealed that teens wanted parents to be their primary source of information about sex, sexuality, and STD. Teens devised several educational modalities (skits, role plays, songs, lectures) and venues (parent nights at local organizations, community gatherings, schools) to educate adults to improve their comfort when having such discussions.

A survey of adults about the extent of their communication with their teens, as well as evaluations of the impact of the outreach efforts, will be presented.

The importance of including parents in STD prevention activities will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will recognize the importance of including adults, particularly parents, in teen outreach efforts to prevent STDs. 2. Paricipants will be able to list ways for teens to engage parents in activities designed to improve cross-generational discussions of sexual risks and behaviors

Keywords: Community Health, Sexual Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA