Towards RESPECT: How Existing Program Data Informed the Development of a Heterosexual male approach to Social and Behavioral Change

Public health interventions addressing adolescent pregnancy, HIV prevention, and teen dating violence for youth disproportionately focus on changing adolescent girls’ behaviors.  This trend in health education has resulted in young men with limited behavioral and social skills to adequately respond to the decision-making about relationships, sex, and related male-centered responsibilities.   This presentation highlights how secondary data from federally funded adolescent health prevention and intervention programs (the Rebound Program, GEMS, and We are Change) were used to develop a framework for engaging heterosexual males in modules on behavioral, social, and life skills-building to enhance present and future decisions.  Select data revealed that 50% or more of 190 males surveyed were extremely concerned about the threat of AIDS and other STDs among teens, youth gangs, racism and discrimination, and sexual violence or abuse.  The same survey indicated that less than 20% of all boys surveyed view their community as one that promotes healthy behaviors and lifestyles among teens, was a place where teens can find a job, where teens can access birth control, can grow up without pressure by peers to use drugs and alcohol, and one that valued and respected young people.  Combined secondary data resulted in the development of modules to be piloted for the RESPECT program organized as follows: (1) representations of one’s reality; (2) economic future (employment enlistment, education, entrepreneur); (3) sexual decision making; (4) proper relationships with parents, providers, peers, and partners; (5) emotional integrity;  (6) community, culinary/cooking, cleaning; and (7) transition.