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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Robin J. Liston, MPH, CHES¹, Jannette Berkley-Patton, PhD¹, and Kathleen J. Goggin, PhD². (1) Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 4825 Troost Suite 211-F, Kansas City, MO 64110, 816-235-6715, listonr@umkc.edu, (2) Department of Psychology, University of Missouri- Kansas City, 4825 Troost Ave. Suite 111-D, Kansas City, MO 64110

Background: HIV disease continues to disproportionately affect communities of color. Increasing awareness and motivation to use HIV/AIDS prevention and care services is critical for achieving parity in healthcare. The use of role model stories (RMS) has been found to be an effective behavioral intervention strategy for increasing protective behaviors related to preventing HIV infection in urban communities. This study examines a process for developing and using RMS to increase HIV/AIDS health service-seeking behaviors among African Americans. Methods: A case study was conducted to assess the comprehensiveness of HIV services in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community stakeholders who provided information on local HIV services and barriers to care. Interview findings were analyzed for salient thematic trends. Community members' feedback was used to further shape storylines and to develop dissemination strategies. Results: Emerging themes of available services (e.g. housing), barriers to accessing those services (e.g. transportation), and common emotional and social struggles (e.g. substance abuse) were used to develop a culturally relevant health communication RMS. Elements of the RMS included depicting: African American women as role models, familiar community locations, empowerment strategies for overcoming obstacles to care, and models who are active participants in community change. Conclusions: Effective health communication strategies for increasing health service-seeking behaviors must be tailored for communities of color. RMS dissemination strategies may be a useful intervention tool for those at risk and HIV+ communities as they can be adapted to be culturally appropriate, address health literacy issues and are cost effective.

Learning Objectives:

• • Conduct semi-structured interviews to identify key issues and themes related to barriers to HIV/AIDS services and care.
• • Develop culturally competent role model stories and describe local resources and care.
• • Disseminate RMS innovations to practitioners and HIV-infected and affected individuals.

Keywords: Health Literacy, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered