BACKGROUND: Direct or indirect measures are useful in describing trends in a state or jurisdiction and can be helpful as part of a comprehensive evaluation strategy. By contributing to the interpretation of the factors impacting upon HIV risk, the information provided by such measures serve as part of impact evaluation and aid in defining HIV prevention needs for planners. The proposed poster presentation will present a case study of the use of HIV prevention indicators to monitor HIV/AIDS prevention efforts targeting adolescents and young adults in Texas. METHODS: Selected indicators related to HIV and STDs will be displayed. Although the rates of AIDS in Texas among those 15-24 are low, they can be graphed for the entire eight year period 1991-1998 for men who have sex with men and high risk heterosexuals, notable given the up to ten-year delay in the onset of AIDS from HIV infection. STD rates stratified by age group, especially gonorrhea, present a clear picture of threats to the sexual health of Texas adolescents and young adults. RESULTS: The poster will provide a step-by-step view of relevant indicators, illuminating the trends and bringing in summaries of behavioral data that may clarify the picture. Focusing upon two regions of Texas-that of Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth-will provide another dimension. A brief discussion will address one of the most useful purposes of this exercise: to highlight data gaps and what the state is planning to do and has done to attempt to fill these gaps.
Learning Objectives: Following the poster presentation, those who view it will be able to: (1) List relevant indicators used to describe the HIV epidemic for one group: adolescents and young adults; (2) Analyze the process that has guided this understanding of a population at risk; and (3) Describe the utility of undertaking such a process, including the examination of current practice in a state health department and a strategy to address weaknesses
Keywords: Adolescents, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.