Objective: To develop a viable community action plan to prevent HIV transmissions among African-, Caribbean-, and Hispanic-American young adults living in highly impacted areas, we formed a coalition and conducted formative evaluation studies. Methods: First we analyzed morbidity and mortality data on reported cases of AIDS and HIV infection provided by the State of Florida Department of Health to target areas for intervention. Then we collaborated with four community-based organizations to hold 18 discussion groups with 166 representatives of vulnerable populations to assess community needs and develop community-level interventions. Finally, graduate students in Public Health visited selected neighborhoods to carry out ethnographic studies to identify promising intervention sites. Results: Analysis of available data indicated that 73% of AIDS cases reported in the past six years (1994-1999) among young adults of color occurred in 12 of 53 zip-code areas of Broward County. Participants in discussion groups often brought up shortcomings in previous attempts to provide a continuity of reliable communications about HIV prevention and related services to community members and stakeholders. Windshield surveys and informal interviews with community residents suggested that local businesses, such as Laundromats and car washes, might serve as the best sites to engage young adults in informal talks about HIV/AIDS and related issues of concern. Conclusions: Based on formative evaluation findings, our coalition formulated a community action plan containing four interrelated interventions: horizontal outreach, vertical outreach, strategic communications, and local infrastructure development. These interventions will be implemented and evaluated in Phase II of our collaborative demonstration project.
Learning Objectives: To describe the application of community organization theory and the principles of health promotion program planning to interventions for HIV prevention among racial and ethnic minority populations at increased risk.
Keywords: HIV Interventions, Evaluation
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.