141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

288159
Development and pilot test of an HIV/STI focused motion comic for young people ages 15-24 years using the sabido methodology

Monday, November 4, 2013 : 5:30 PM - 5:50 PM

Leigh A. Willis, PhD, MPH , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Epidemiology Branch, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Rachel Kachur, MPH , Division of STD Prevention, Behavioral Intervention and Research Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Ted Castellanos, MPH , DHAP/Minority HIV/AIDS Research Initiative, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Zaneta Gaul, MSPH , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, ICF International, CDC, Atlanta, GA
Pilgrim Spikes Jr., PhD, MPH, MSW , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention/Prevention Research Branch, Centers For Diease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Ashley Gamayo, MPH , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA
Solange Han Barthelemy, BA , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Macus Durham , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention/Epidemiology Branch, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Lisa La Place, BS, MPH , Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, The University of Georgia, College of Public Health, Athens, GA
Kristen Nichols , CDC, CDC/Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Matthew Hogben, PhD , CDC and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Susan Robinson, MPH , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA
Madeline Sutton, MD, MPH , Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Communication and informatics
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe how to use the Sabido methodology to design entertainment education programs.

Keywords: Adolescents, Health Communications

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have over 10 years of experience working in the area of HIV prevention
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.