Using Real-Time Technology to Reduce the Prevalence of HIV/AIDS among Historically Black College and University Students, in Orangeburg, South Carolina

Numerous studies have shown that college students exhibit higher knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention; yet unprotected sex, peer pressure, norms, alcohol, and drugs are predicted factors that put college students, particularly students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), at increased risk for contracting HIV. Therefore, new measures are required to study shifting trends and patterns of this epidemic among minority students. This study examined whether HBCU students who seek health information online in real-time through social media such as Twitter, FaceBook, YouTube, and MySpace in Orangeburg, South Carolina have higher HIV knowledge scores. The health belief model and communication theory were used to support the research study. Three sets of survey questionnaires that covered HIV knowledge, sexual behavior and demographic items were administered to approximately 350 students during class hours. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-test, and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS software package version 20.0. Results show that 90% of HBCU students are members of social media and those who use real-time technology are more likely to seek out information related to their vulnerability to HIV and STI infection, as well as ways to prevent themselves from contracting these diseases. The positive social change implication for this study was to advocate the use of real-time technology to increase awareness of sex partner knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission among young adults, especially HBCU students. Ultimately, this could help reduce HIV/AIDS transmission within this segment of the population.