Development and pilot test of an HIV/STI focused motion comic for young people ages 15-24 years using the sabido methodology

Background: Young people (ages 15-24 years) are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). This may be due to lack of informed HIV/STI-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behavioral intentions (KABI). Narratives are a proven method of HIV/STI prevention communication that can strengthen KABI for HIV/STI prevention. “Motion comics” are an engaging and low-cost means of storytelling. To address HIV/STI-related KABI, we developed and tested an HIV/STI focused motion comic for young people. Methods: A 6-episode motion comic serial was created based on feedback from the youth target population; storylines addressed: 1) abstinence, 2) condom acquisition, 3) HIV/STI stigma, 4) HIV/STI myths, 5) HIV/STI testing, and 6) disclosure of HIV/STI status. During 2012, fifteen focus groups (n=146) were conducted with the target population to screen the comic and qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate viewer satisfaction and effect on KABI. Rated story elements included realism, humor and drama. Pre/post viewing surveys measured the comic's impact on HIV/STI knowledge, HIV stigma, condom attitudes, HIV testing attitudes, and behavioral intentions using paired sample t-tests. Results: Most respondents liked the story elements (75%) and would share it with friends (80%). Pre/post viewing surveys revealed a significant decrease in HIV stigma and increase in behavioral intentions to engage in safe sex. Conclusions: This motion comic intervention immediately impacted the KABI of young adult viewers by reducing HIV stigma and increasing behavioral intentions to engage in safer sex. Evaluations to measure longer-term post-exposure impact are planned.