Yancey EM, Goodin LM, Wang M; National HIV Prevention Conference (2003 : Atlanta, Ga.).
Abstr Book 2003 Natl HIV Prev Conf July 27 30 2003 Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel Atlanta Ga Natl HIV Prev Conf 2003 Atlanta Ga. 2003; abstract no. MP-168.
Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recent data continues to highlight the disproportionate rate of HIV/AIDS infection among African-Americans, as well as, the continued escalation and prevalence of HIV/ AIDS infection among women and women of color. Even though the annual HIV/AIDS infection incidence began to decline in 1996, the rate for African-American women continued to increase, with African-American women representing nearly half of all reported AIDS cases in 2000. Because few studies exist focusing on this population, we developed and implemented a culture, gender-specific model that assessed the psychosocial indices of HIV risk behavior reduction among 17-44 year old African-American women from five different communities in Atlanta, Georgia.METHODS: This five-year study used qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (surveys) methodologies to examine HIV risk behavior, assessing the types, prevalence and predictability of HIV risk behavior that relate to identified psychosocial variables among a sample of 405 African-American women. Respondents were asked to anonymously complete the HIV Risk Reduction Women's Survey, developed for the study, which included ten constructs that assessed HIV risk knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Seventy-eight women of the total sample were randomly selected to participate in focus groups, which explored factors that supported or hindered condom usage identified in initial survey data. Intervention (N=226) and control (N=179) groups were established. Intervention participants engaged in the culture and gender sensitive prevention/intervention model developed from survey and focus group data. Control participants received monthly contact calls with no prevention education. Post-intervention surveys were administered to both intervention and control participants.RESULTS: Focus group results indicated participants believed most African American women understood importance of condom use, but viewed it as more a symbol of mistrust than HIV prevention. The women often did not see themselves as solely having the power to choose safer sex practices. They believed prevention activities must involve men and women together. Women in the intervention significantly increased HIV knowledge, increased understanding of personal HIV risk and began to increase their HIV risk reduction intentions. Intervention participants' post-survey HIV/AIDS knowledge scores were significantly higher than pre-survey scores (10.01 vs. 8.66), p<.01. Overall, the intervention high behavioral risk group scored significantly higher than the low behavioral risk group, F = 7.03, p<.01). Personal HIV risk estimation was significantly higher for the high behavior risk group (2.15 vs. 1.80), F = 6.96, p<.05. Although risk reduction behavior intention increases were not statistically significant, mean score increases occurred. Control participants' post-survey findings indicated no significant HIV knowledge increase. The perceived risk estimation score was significantly greater for the high behavior risk group (2.33 vs. 1.96), F = 5.03, p<.05. Overall perceived risk was significantly higher for post-survey than pre-survey (2.24 vs. 1.90), F = 4.99, p<.05.CONCLUSIONS: Study findings support the need for a balanced prevention and intervention model that encompasses both clinical aspects and interpersonal dynamics when educating persons about HIV. The model needs to assist participants in understanding the context ofsexual relationships between partners; address culture, gender and power issues; and teach skills that build partner communication and trust.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- African Americans
- Condoms
- Culture
- Female
- Focus Groups
- Georgia
- Georgia (Republic)
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Human Development
- Humans
- Male
- Prevalence
- Risk Reduction Behavior
- Risk-Taking
- Safe Sex
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102261928
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