This study examined vulnerability and resilience factors related to HIV risks as viewed by African American adolescents. African American adolescents consist of 15% of the U.S. population, however they makeup 60% of AIDS cases among 13-19 year olds (CDC, 1999). The leading cause of death in African Americans age 25-44 is HIV/AIDS (CDC, 1999). Many people of this age group most likely contracted HIV during adolescence. There is a need to conduct research among adolescents regarding their perceptions of factors related to HIV/AIDS. A qualitative design with a phenomenologic approach was used to collect and analyze data. A group of eight African American adolescent males and females participated in the study. The setting for data collection was an African American Church. A focus group setting and story telling was used to collect data. To facilitate storytelling the adolescents developed collages from pictures in African American magazines. The adolescents used the collages to describe situations that depict a teen at risk and situations where a resilient teen makes choices that decrease HIV risks. All information was tape recorded and data was analyzed using content analysis. Factors identified as contributing to resilience to HIV were innocence, sure of self, healthy activities and career/independent. Factors contributing to susceptibility were peer pressure, promiscuity and the music/drug culture. Information obtained in the study may be useful in designing more effective curriculums for HIV prevention and in developing vignettes for future educational programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner)will be able to: 1. List four factors identified as contributing to the resilience to HIV; 2. List three factors identified as contributing to susceptibility to HIV; 3. Apply information from study in designing curriculums for HIV prevention and developing vignettes for educational programs.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Adolescents
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.