Presenting an innovative approach for promoting positive health behaviors through the teaching and active/participatory learning of community health issues. Conference participants will review relevant teaching aids, and discuss their utility for moving students along the stages of change. The methodology is based on the Transtheoretical Model - behavioral change occurs through a series of sequential stages (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1983). In the precontemplation stage, students may have no intention of taking action to prevent HIV/AIDS because they do not know enough about the consequences of their sexual risk behaviors. The next stages are contemplation and preparation (six- or one-month plans for change, respectively), followed by action and maintenance stages. The community health course module on HIV/AIDS prevention helps the student progress through these stages of change. After a brief introductory lecture on communicable diseases, students participate in an interactive CD-ROM exercise using a realistic virtual date program. This helps with skill building, and an analysis of the health outcomes of each virtual date. Another component is the viewing of topical videocassettes followed by a series of student peer-directed discussions. During their community health project presentations, students reiterate learned materials. Because these audiovisual materials are so realistic and relevant, students identify with people in the videos/CD-ROM, and personalize the information leading to incremental changes. Findings from the qualitative and quantitative analyses of student’s feedback will be presented. The approach is replicated for behaviors that contribute to unintentional injury, alcohol and other drug abuse, tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy dietary behaviors.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: (i) Discuss the Transtheoretical Model and stages of change for health behaviors, (ii) Apply a classroom paradigm for teaching and learning about community health that utilizes the Transtheoretical Model for HIV/AIDS and STD prevention.
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Health Education Strategies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.