141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

278798
Seeking HIV and STI health information: Focus group findings from youth, ages 15-24

Monday, November 4, 2013 : 4:50 PM - 5:10 PM

Ted Castellanos, MPH , DHAP/Minority HIV/AIDS Research Initiative, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Ashley Gamayo, MPH , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA
Pilgrim Spikes Jr., PhD, MPH, MSW , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention/Prevention Research Branch, Centers For Diease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Kristen Nichols , CDC, CDC/Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Rachel Kachur, MPH , Division of STD Prevention, Behavioral Intervention and Research Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Leigh A. Willis, PhD, MPH , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Epidemiology Branch, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Background: Research has shown that less than 20 percent of youth would seek care related to birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or drug use if parental notice was mandated. A teen, struggling with concerns over sexual health or substance abuse, may be reluctant to share concerns with a parent for fear of embarrassment, disapproval, or violence. The purpose of this study was to understand youth seeking information about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and STI, as part of a larger study to develop a unique health communication approach, “motion comic,” to address HIV/STI prevention among youth. Methods: Formative focus groups (n=6) were conducted with youth ages 15-24 (n=34) (Mean age=19.6) to develop audience-generated content, including: art style; characters; storylines; and dialogue to enhance the relevance, acceptability, and appropriateness of a motion comic HIV/STI intervention. Results: The participants were 79% male; 14% female; 6% transgender; 88% African American; 12% white. Key themes emerged from thematic analysis on where youth seek HIV/STI information. The most common sources were: Clinics/Doctors/Nurses; Internet; Schools; Community Based Organizations; Family; and Peers. The most trusted sources were clinics, Google, and family. The least trusted sources were friends and religious groups. Conclusions: Data from the focus groups on where youth seek HIV/STI information will be incorporated into motion comic episodes. Findings from this study will (a) highlight the importance of including youth in the development of health information tailored for youth; and (b) inform how illustrated films and animation can influence youth seeking behavior about HIV/STI health information.

Learning Areas:
Communication and informatics
Diversity and culture
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
List common sources where youth seek HIV/STI information

Keywords: Health Communications, Minority Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the co-author of several federally funded research abstracts focusing on the epidemiology of HIV prevention and minority (race and sexual identity) youth. Among my scientific interests has been the development of innovative strategies for preventing HIV and STDs with minorities)
Any relevant financial relationships? No

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.