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

Abstract #104802

Jebose O. Okwumabua, PhD¹, Sharron Edwards, BS², and Dan L. Chatman². (1) Health and Sport Sciences, The University of Memphis, Elma Roane Field House, 495 Zach Curlins, Memphis, TN 38152, (901) 678-4953, ookwumab@memphis.edu, (2) St. Andrew AME Church, Community Life Center, 867 South Parkway East, Memphis, TN 38106

The Tennessee HIV Prevention Plan document (2003) identified African American females of childbearing age as a high priority for HIV/AIDS prevention in Tennessee. The present study examined the efficacy and effectiveness of an intervention on HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, intension, and self-efficacy concerning condom use among a group of African American females of childbearing age living in poverty. Participants comprised 238 African American females drawn from four high morbidity zip code areas for HIV/AIDS in Memphis, Tennessee. Participants ranged in age from 18 – 53 years (mean age = 29). Four sessions of program activities included group and individual level interventions using the Behavior Counseling Model. Pre and post intervention questionnaires were administered in group or individual settings using interview assisted approach. Data analysis employed a paired t-test, ANOVA, and stepwise regression. Findings suggest participants improved their knowledge about prevention (p < .001), intention to use condoms (p < .001), and confidence in condom use (p < .001). Significant differences were reported for self-efficacy (p < .012) and intention to use condoms (p < .049) among the three age groups. Knowledge was significantly associated with participants' attitude towards condom use (p < .01). Prevention practitioners should continue to underscore public education and condom use as important approaches toward preventing HIV infection particularly among the high risk populations. In addition to presenting the findings, the authors will outline methods of recruitment, challenges, and lessons learned.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

(
• describe the efficacy and effectiveness of an intervention on HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, intension, and self-efficacy concerning condom use among high risk African American females of childbearing age; (
• discuss the application of a scientific approach toward preventing HIV/AIDS among a sample of the poor and underserved; and (
• recognize the issues and barriers toward condom use among a sample of the poor and underserved at risk for HIV/AIDS.

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.