Life on the Yard: Reducing the risks of STIs and substance abuse among African Americans college students

Introduction: Life on the Yard (YARD) is a locally developed intervention designed to specifically address the unique needs and risks of African American college students age 18-24 attending three universities in Greene County, Ohio – Wright State University (WSU), and two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Central State University (CSU) and Wilberforce University (WU).

Method: 282 African American students since 10/5/2011 have participated in YARD, a six-session, interactive intervention designed for small groups (10-12) participants. Sessions include: the effects of binge drinking and marijuana use; a self-report measure on alcohol and drugs; knowledge about HIV and HIV among African Americans; personal HIV/STI knowledge and risk; condom use and safer sex; avoiding risky situations, and; peer outreach to impact the greater college community. Data collected at baseline, intervention exit, and 3 month follow up includes HIV/STI knowledge and risk perception; alcohol and/or drug use, condom use, and HIV/STI screening.

Results: Analysis of data suggests YARD positively impacts behavior. Data showed increased awareness of risks associated with unprotected vaginal sex (p<.000); unprotected anal sex (p<.001); sex while drunk (p<.002); risk of alcohol (p<.025); and risk of marijuana use (p<.000). Data showed an increase in refusal of sex without a condom (p<.001). Participants retained in follow up reported fewer sexual partners and increased comfort in safer sex practices. Additionally, 40% of participants received their first HIV test.

Conclusions: Participation in YARD contributed to awareness and risk reduction associated with sexual activity, and substance use among African American college students age 18-24 years old.