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

Abstract #110257

Teresa Ayala-Castillo, BS, City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, 2525 Grand Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815, 562 570-4331, teayala@longbeach.gov, Nettie DeAugustine, BA, The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, 2525 Grand Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815, and Ronald R. Arias, MPA, City of Long Beach, Department of Health & Human Services, 2525 Grand Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815.

Issue: Although research on technology-based interventions is in its infancy these interventions offer a cost effective approach to reaching populations at risk for HIV. Studies show that public access to computerized systems can lead to increased empowerment and encourage high-risk populations to seek additional information to improve their health status. Utilizing computerized bilingual health information systems is an effective tool for reaching at-risk populations.

Description: A local health department in collaboration with the regional HIV planning body developed a web-based health information and referral system for at-risk populations. For the community the web-based system is accessed through any computer. In addition, 5 bilingual health stations placed at strategic locations in the community provide publicly accessible health education. The technology includes a computer based risk assessment form to gather information on the users risk behavior. Depending on reported health risks, clients can receive educational messages on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C, STDs, and drug/alcohol abuse. Providers may access the web site to make inter-agency referrals through their Internet connection.

Lessons Learned: Clients are able to assess their own individualized risk behavior and allows them to take an active role in their own health. The providers in the referral network are able to link services with other related service providers creating a coordinated system of care for their clients.

Recommendations: New and innovative technologies are available and effective in reaching at-risk populations and provide them with needed education, information and referrals.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to
• identify strategies to engage local stakeholders in developing a technology-based intervention;
• describe important contents of an effective health station and website; and
• list rationale for developing computerized systems for HIV prevention and control in local communities.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Communication Technology

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.