According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infectious syphilis disproportionately affects African Americans living in poverty in metropolitan areas in the southeastern United States. Of particular note is that among this population where syphilis does persist, the rates of HIV/AIDS are also persistently high. In 1998, 97% of syphilis cases were reported among African Americans residing in metropolitan Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, a rate 40 times higher than their white counterparts. Similarly, while African Americans constitute 45% of the population of Shelby County, Tennessee, they represent 80% of reported HIV cases. The persistently high rates of syphilis and HIV/AIDS among African Americans living in poverty suggest a fundamental failure of the traditional, provider-centered public health approach toward preventing STDs and HIV infection in these communities. The present investigation employed focus groups method to obtain information from low-income African Americans concerning the determinants of high rates of syphilis and HIV/AIDS among African Americans in Memphis and Shelby County, as well as to identify approaches toward prevention interventions. Thirty-six males and females aged 18-56 participated in the study. Six major themes emerged from the content analysis. Among the findings is the alarmingly lack of knowledge, among respondents, about syphilis, its etiology, transmission, and the seriousness of the problem in their community. The authors will discuss focus groups selection method, protocol, and facilitation. Results and implications for health promotion and disease prevention with special populations as well as lessons learned will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants in this session will be able to: 1. recognize the issues and barriers toward preventing syphilis and HIV among the poor and underserved; 2. identify the usefulness of focus group interview as a means of needs assessment with populations living in poverty; and 3. apply focus groups method toward developing community outreach prevention interventions for syphilis and HIV
Keywords: Community Outreach, HIV Interventions
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.