Impact of HIV-positive speakers in a multicomponent, school-based HIV/STD prevention program for inner-city adolescents.
Qualitative and quantitative data from Safer Choices, a school-based multicomponent HIV prevention program, were examined to determine the impact of HIV-positive speakers on inner-city adolescents' HIV risk perception and empathy for people with HIV or AIDS. Inductive analyses were used to assess student reactions to speakers. Multilevel regression modeling techniques were used to analyze student survey data (n = 1,491) to determine the effect of speakers alone, as well as in combination with the multicomponent intervention, and a knowledge-based curriculum (comparison condition). Results showed that speakers were highly popular with students and teachers, and had a positive short-term impact on students' attitudes. Although not statistically significant, the combination of intervention and speakers had the greatest impact on outcome variables. Integrating HIV-positive speakers into multicomponent programs may have a positive impact on inner-city youth. Utilizing speakers without other educational components may have minimal effects. Strategies for training and utilizing HIV-positive speakers in school settings are included.
Markham
C
C
The Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, USA. CMarkham@sph.uth.tmc.edu
Baumler
E
E
Richesson
R
R
Parcel
G
G
Basen-Engquist
K
K
Kok
G
G
Wilkerson
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002140:California; D003479:Curriculum; D004645:Empathy; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D013060:Speech; D013781:Texas; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*