The American Red Cross African American HIV/AIDS Program is a national certification program designed to reach diverse audiences in African American communities. Objective: To discuss the program as it relates to cultural relevance used by instructors for community sessions. Methods: The program uses an African and African American centered approach, encompassing factually accurate, culturally specific and culturally relevant information. The teaching techniques employed incorporates cultural themes, such as, oral communications, harmony, social time perspectives, expressive styles and positivity. Certain activities displayed are libation ceremonies, call and response patterns, and storytelling. Upon completing a community session participates are able to demonstrate an increase in their knowledge level. Results: Responses from knowledge-based surveys indicated that participants were more likely to discuss HIV/AIDS with their families and friends, as well as, get an HIV test after participating in risky behaviors. Discussion: Having multiple sessions with the same group, using culturally specific approaches increases the likelihood that HIV risk-reduction and prevention messages will reach African Americans. In this session I will demonstrate how cultural specific teaching techniques are effective methods for teaching HIV prevention messages.
Learning Objectives: Participants in this session will be able to identify and apply cultual specific teaching techniques as effective methods for HIV prevention education. As well as, discuss the impact that cultural relevance can have on behavior modification.
Keywords: Cultural Competency, HIV Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Instructor-American Red Cross African American HIV/AIDS Program (Greater Chicago Chapter)
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.