200066 Sex 2.0: The role of the web in school-based STI/HIV risk reduction curricula

Monday, November 9, 2009: 10:57 AM

Richard Goldsworthy, PhD, MSEd , Academic Edge, Inc., Bloomington, IN
Peter Honebein, PhD , Academic Edge, Inc., Bloomington, IN
Kimberly McBride, PhD, MA , Academic Edge, Inc., Bloomington, IN
Nancy C. Schwartz, PhD , Academic Edge, Inc., Bloomington, IN
J. Dennis Fortenberry, MD, MS , Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Paul Whitener , Academic Edge, Inc., Bloomington, IN
Background and Significance. Sexually active adolescents have the highest rates of STI of any age group. Parents believe STI/HIV are appropriate topics for middle school students; however, school-based education efforts remain inconsistent. STI/HIV curricula adoption, delivery, and effectiveness may be improved through web-based content and activities. Yet few research efforts have explored web-based technologies for prevention curricula, even fewer in middle schools, and none incorporate activities and materials for diverse stakeholders.

Purpose. To examine the use of web-based technologies—including user-generated content and social media—to augment delivery and effectiveness of an evidence-based STI/HIV prevention curriculum.

Methodology. The effort used an iterative, learner-centered development methodology and integrated evidence-based pedagogical and health behavioral change theoretical frameworks. Subject-matter expertise comes from a panel of respected adolescent and STI/HIV researchers and practitioners, the NHES, and published curricula. Usability and efficacy data were gathered through mixed-methods focus groups and single-subject usability trials with diverse stakeholders.

Results. Portals and communication tools for teachers, parents, and administrators; mechanisms for incorporating learner-generated content; and a series of interactive lessons and activities, including linear and non-linear simulated partner communication, were embedded in a learning management system. The resulting platform was well-accepted by students, teachers, administrators and brings benefits, including engagement, online tracking, learner interaction, and tailorability, replicability and scalability; however, several significant pragmatic issues were identified.

The presentation will describe the program, its foundation, and its evaluation; discuss implications for implementation and future research; seek input; distribute copies; and invite future participation.

Supported in part by NCRR/NIH grant#R44RR015322.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to: Describe innovative uses of social media and the web to augment evidence-based STI/HIV Assess evaluation outcomes of the project Discuss hurdles to implementing specific web technologies for program delivery Assess the utility of such applications for their own prevention implementation or health education efforts

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, School-Based Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I served as principle investigator on this NIH multi-year NIH supported effort. I have extensive experience with psychosocial aspects of behavioral change, school-based efforts, and the development of educational learning environments.
Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Name of Organization Clinical/Research Area Type of relationship
Academic Edge, Inc. Educational media development and evaluation Employment (includes retainer)

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Scientific Session 02: Technology & Public Health
See more of: APHA-Film & Technology Theater