Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103423

Michele K. Perlman, MPH, Teens P.A.C.T. (Positive Actions and Choices for Teens), Community Healthcare Network, 260 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11211, 718-387-7426, mperlman@chnnyc.org

Assisting adolescents to prevent unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and unhealthy relationships can be extremely challenging. Comprehensive sexuality education and media have proved to have a powerful impact on young people's attitudes and behaviors related to sexual health. Community Healthcare Network's Teens P.A.C.T. (Positive Actions and Choices for Teens) combined best practices in sexuality education and youth development to create an educational video series targeting New York City youth. The video series, Somethin' To Think About, compliments any sexuality education curriculum by addressing specific issues of concern raised in youth focus groups. The videos were created by youth for youth, resulting in an accurate reflection of the challenges teens face in relationships. The series is comprised of four videos designed to: 1) raise awareness about the availability of emergency contraception; 2) reflect the challenges teens face while communicating with partners about safer sex practices; 3) address the consequences of casual sex and offer accurate information about STD and pregnancy prevention; 4) assist youth in recognizing abusive relationships and provide resources to build healthy relationships. Each video is comprised of three components: 1) “on the street” interviews; 2) realistic vignettes; and 3) facilitated discussions. The videos, accompanied by a facilitator's manual, were distributed to New York City schools and community-based organizations. Challenges included meeting the training needs of facilitators with varied levels of experience and developing partnerships with community leaders. Participants will learn the process for developing and distributing a culturally sensitive and age-appropriate social marketing tool with limited resources.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the process for developing and implementing a sexuality education media campaign for young adults.
• Recognize the importance of a youth development approach to developing age-appropriate, realistic materials and videos.
• Demonstrate ways to create and disseminate the media campaign materials at little or no cost.

Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation