Substance use and unprotected sex are two key factors in the spread of HIV among African Americans. African Americans account for almost half of newly reported AIDS cases and HIV remains the leading cause of death among African Americans ages 25-44. The purpose of this study was to determine how comfortable African American adults in the Midwest are in talking with their children and children in general about substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention. Using a telephone survey methodology, 202 African American adults (18 years and over) completed a 37-item survey (a response rate of 56%) asking them about substance abuse and HIV being a problem in the community and what were the best methods to prevent the spread of HIV among African American adolescents. Eighty-two percent of those responding said that substance abuse was a problem, on the other hand, only 66% thought that HIV/AIDS was a problem in the community. Most adults responded they were very comfortable in talking with their children about substance abuse (60%) and 49% were very comfortable talking about HIV/AIDS. Overall respondents were more comfortable talking about substance use then they were about HIV/AIDS with their children.
Learning Objectives: Identify the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of African American adults concerning substance abuse and HIV infection among African American adolescents To determine how comfortable African American adults are in talking with their children and other children about the dangers of substance abuse and unprotected sex
Keywords: Community Health Assessment,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Wichita State University
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.