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

Abstract #71801

Marcia Bayne-Smith, DSW, Urban Studies Department, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, New York, NY 11367, 718-997-2719, Marcia@qc1.qc.edu and Debra Y. Delgado, PhD, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 701 St. Paul's Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Objectives: This paper introduces the Plain Talk Program, an effective community based model for reducing adolescent pregnancy, STDs and HIV/AIDS, that was implemented in five communities across the nation. The model relied on engaging and training parents and other adult community residents to improve communication with youth about sensitive topics such as sexuality, STDs and HIV/AIDS and build resident skills to promote adolescent access to reproductive health care. Methods: Pre-to-post local surveys conducted at the community level, as well as public health statistics and data from CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey were utilized in this study to evaluate effectiveness of the Plain Talk practice model in two of the initial six communities that participated in the five-year demonstration phase of the program. Results: The findings indicate that there are significant pre-to-post differences in the areas of: improved adolescent knowledge and attitudes re sex and reproductive health, increased use of contraception and health care services, increased teen access to contraceptives, and reduced teen pregnancy, STDs and HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: The evaluation also identified successful “best practices” and “lessons learned” during the early years that are now being applied to the current replication phase of PLAIN TALK.

Learning Objectives:

• List three short term goals and objectives of the Plain Talk Program
• Describe the major components of the Plain Talk Model
• Develop a plan for recruiting and engaging residents to become involved in community assessment, outreach and education.

Keywords: Reproductive Health, STD Prevention

Related Web page: www.AECF.org/PlainTalk

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I have been a consultant to the Plain Talk progam

Handout (.ppt format, 159.5 kb)