Native VOICES: Adapting and evaluating a video-based HIV/STD intervention for Native (AI/AN) teens and young adults in the Pacific Northwest

Background: This study will produce an evidence-based HIV/STD intervention for American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) teens and young adults (15-24 years old). Relatively few interventions with evidence of effectiveness currently exist for this population. Methods: We employed a mixed-method design that included focus groups, individual interviews, and community-based participatory research (CBPR) meetings. A video-based intervention will be adapted from a CDC-recognized evidence-based intervention, Video Opportunities for Innovative Condom Education and Safer Sex (VOICES). Using feedback from youth, staff at clinics and youth serving organizations, the Native VOICES intervention will be designed to maximize cultural appropriateness and utilization within the Indian healthcare system. Results: All intervention modifications will be grounded in the emergent formative data collected during the three-year project. The results presented here are from year one. They will be used to guide the adaptation of the Native VOICES video in year two. Conclusions: The mixed-method design used was successful at collecting data on the cultural reproductive health values, condom communication skills, social norms around contraception, and the real and perceived barriers to condom use among AI/AN teens and young adults in the Pacific NW. Video-based HIV/STD interventions are not resource intensive, can be implemented by a variety of support staff, and can be disseminated with relatively little training. They can also be designed to meet the unique and varied needs of AI/AN teens and young adults. As a result, such interventions are ideal for broad dissemination in Indian Country for use in AI/AN clinics (IHS/Tribal/Urban) and youth serving institutions.