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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Shandowyn L. Parker, PhD, MPH¹, Joan E. Cowdery, PhD¹, and Deidre Belton, BSW². (1) Department of Health Sciences and Administration, University of Michigan-Flint, 2102 WSW, 303 E. Kearsley, Flint, MI 48502, 810-762-3172, shanpark@umflint.edu, (2) Urban Health and Wellness Center, University of Michigan-Flint, 1116 WSW, 303 E. Kearsley, Flint, MI 48502

Background: African Americans are disproportionately represented in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. HIV rates in Genesee County (Flint), Michigan, are the 8th highest in the state with the majority of cases among African Americans. As part of an NIH funded EXPORT project, a pilot research study was conducted to assess the benefit of using a social network approach on the effectiveness of a home based versus community based HIV prevention interventions and dose response effects related to intervention duration.

Methods: African American's 18 and older were recruited to participate in a culturally relevant HIV prevention intervention. The study utilized a pre test/post test design with a 30 day follow up. 109 subjects volunteered to participate in either a one-session home based intervention (treatment arm 1), a three session home based intervention (treatment arm 2) or a one session community based intervention (treatment arm 3). Between and within treatment group comparisons were performed including pre and post test data analysis to assess changes in HIV related risk behaviors, perceived stigma, testing, and knowledge, as well as dose response effects.

Results: A total of 17 interventions were conducted; 9-treatment arm1, 2-treatment arm 2, and 6 –treatment arm 3. Of the 109 study participants, 75% (n=83) were female and 74% (n=81) were 18 to 40 years of age. Follow up data were collected from 36% (n=42) of the sample.

Conclusions: Use of a social networks approach for participant recruitment and intervention implementation is an effective strategy for addressing HIV infection among African American populations.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing social networks in the implementation of a HIV prevention intervention
• Evaluate the effectiveness of conducting HIV interventions within the home
• Discuss culturally appropriate strategies for conducting HIV interventions with African American adults

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Health Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation