College-age youth are at risk for HIV, especially through sexual transmission. Involving youth in community planning to inform, counsel, and test their peers is essential in reducing the AIDS epidemic. For the last two years, college students have participated in a regional HIV/AIDS prevention group, taught prevention courses in rural middle schools and high schools, assisted peers in developing individualized risk reduction plans, and subsequently diminished students' fear of HIV testing. In-depth, educational programs (appx. 40 hours) prepared college students to be HIV Prevention Specialists, focused on risk reduction, counseling, and HIV testing. Oral HIV antibody testing has been especially useful in reaching college students, and was less intrusive than venipuncture. Healthy People 2000 supported increased HIV counseling and education for adolescents and college students, and increased knowledge of serostatus for HIV-infected people. College student involvement in a regional planning group has improved participation in outreach and educational programs, and uniquely enhanced the planning process. Results have included twice yearly oral HIV testing at the college; approximately 100 students have been tested at each evening session during the last two years. College-age prevention speakers were frequently preferred at middle schools and high schools because youth could more readily relate to their message. Students also participated in recruiting and selecting HIV-infected speakers to present a prevention message. Future plans include increased publicity and screening using oral HIV testing, and quantitative evaluation of clients' feedback and satisfaction with their individualized plans for risk reduction.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) Describe several ways college students could become involved in community planning for HIV counseling and education. 2) Discuss several benefits of using oral HIV antibody testing as outreach to college students. 3) Identify several positive outcomes when college students present HIV prevention classes to rural middle school and high school students
Keywords: College Students, Community Planning
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.