The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65789

Crystal L. Meyer, MPH, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (734) 699-8040, meyercl@umich.edu

In response to the growing number of HIV/AIDS cases among African-American teens and young adults, Flint Odyssey House, Inc. Health Awareness Center and the University of Michigan School of Public Health utilized existing partnerships within the academic and community setting, to develop and pilot a culturally and age-appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention program called Breaking the Silence. The primary objective of this pilot program was to assess the need for early prevention activities related to HIV/AIDS among African-American youth in Flint. Forty-one youth between the ages of 11-18 participated in Breaking the Silence workshops. They were identified from local churches and community based organizations affiliated with Flint Odyssey House Health Awareness Center. All participants engaged in a one-day workshop, facilitated by a graduate student from the University of Michigan School of Public Heath (Ruth Mott Health Scholar) and a team of Flint high-school students (Ruth Mott Explorers). Prior to conducting the workshops, the Scholar and Explorers were trained by the Midwest Aids Prevention Project (MAPP) and were certified as peer educators. Each workshop included peer-led health education, age and gender specific focus groups, and confidential questionnaires. The evaluation of this program involved questionnaires about knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to HIV/AIDS and risky behaviors among youth, as well as qualitative data collected from the focus groups. Sixty-one percent of the participants indicated that they learned something new, and 70% agreed that there should be more programs like this in Flint. This data will be used to assist in statewide HIV/AIDS planning.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Identify the role of peer-educators in HIV/AIDS prevention programs
• Describe the three components of the Breaking the Silence program
• Recognize the effectiveness of community/academic partnership approaches to developing prevention programs for African-American youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.