Development of AIDS education and prevention materials for women by health department staff and community focus groups.
The New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) has developed a comprehensive, empowering, and educational booklet for women in response to (1) the rapid increase in AIDS among women; (2) the lack of woman-specific, current, language-appropriate literature; and (3) the need to address the multitude of direct and indirect effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on women. Drafts of the booklet were developed during a 12-week series of consensus-driven meetings attended by a core group of women from various professional and personal backgrounds. Following NYCDOH approval, community focus groups reviewed the booklet to ensure that it met the needs of targeted women, community HIV/AIDS educators and other health and social service providers. This paper describes the issues encountered when designing materials for women of diverse cultures and roles (e.g., pregnant women, IV drug users, lesbians), as well as the dynamics of the development process and its benefits and difficulties. Criteria and guidelines for this development process are outlined.
Duke
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NYCDOH, Division of AIDS Program Services, NY 10013.
Omi
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D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013664:Teaching Materials; D016387:Women's Health