Home Health Parties: A peer education model that utilizes community social networks

Plain Talk is a community-driven strategy addressing adolescent reproductive health issues including teen pregnancy, STIs and HIV/AIDS. Developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Plain Talk model has proven effective in African American and Latino communities, by working to improve adult-teen communication and increase the quantity and quality of adolescent reproductive health services in the community.

The primary educational component of the program is implemented through Home Health Parties, which are small group workshops that educate adults and parents on reproductive health issues and teach them the importance of communicating this knowledge to their children and other adolescents in the community. The goal of Home Health Parties is to help recruit more “Askable Adults” in the community, which will, in turn, increase the accuracy and frequency of adult-teen communication about ARH issues. Home Health Parties are conducted by peer educators in the homes of community residents. The Home Health Party host is responsible for inviting and soliciting neighbors/family participation, which utilizes and reinforces social networks in the community.

During the two-session Home Health Party format, four topics are covered: Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology, Birth Control Methods, STIs & HIV/AIDS, and Communication Strategies. Pre/post tests are administered to measure participant knowledge before and after each session are completed. During this session, we will share preliminary findings from three program sites.