The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49869

Amy Bleakley, MPH¹, Michelle Larro, MA², C. Kevin Malotte, DrPH³, Nancy L. VanDevanter, DrPH⁴, Kevin Rose, DC², Cheryl Merzel, DrPH⁵, Peter Messeri, PhD⁴, Matthew Hogben, PhD⁶, Janet S St. Lawrence, PhD⁷, and Susan Middlestadt, PhD⁸. (1) Division of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia Unviversity, 722 W. 168th Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10032, 212-305-1187, ab443@columbia.edu, (2) Community Health and Social Epidemiology Programs, California State University, Long Beach, 5500 Atherton Street, Suite 400, Long Beach, CA 90815, (3) Health Science Department, California State University, Long Beach, 5500 Atherton Street, Suite 400, Long Beach, CA 90815, (4) Division of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10032, (5) Dept of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168 St., New York, NY 10032, (6) Behavioral Intervention and Research Branch, DSTDP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-44, Altanta, GA 30333, (7) Behavioral Interventions Research Branch, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-44, Atlanta, GA 30333, (8) Center for Applied Behavioral and Evaluation Research, Academy for Educational Development, 1825 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20009

Background: Untreated gonococcal and chlamydial infections, which are often asymptomatic, can lead to serious sequelae. Many youth have misconceptions about these diseases and are unaware of available urine tests, places to get free, confidential care, and the importance of regular health check-ups. Objectives: To test the efficacy of small media and other community awareness activities for increasing (1) campaign materials recognition, (2) STD knowledge and awareness, (3) knowledge of health care locations and (4) positive beliefs, attitudes, and behavior related to periodic health care, including STD testing. Methods: Activities, which took place in Los Angeles, CA and Harlem, NY, included distribution of peer-constructed role model stories, posters, and palm cards, materials dissemination to businesses, clinics, and schools, workshops, an interactive website (NY), and movie theater previews (NY). Materials recognition in the intervention areas was tested against comparison sites via street intercept interviews with 15 to 30 year old respondents before and several times after implementation of awareness activities. Results: Respondents (n=1,784) were typically young adults (M=18.6 years), male (54%), African American (83%), and in school (71%). Campaign materials recognition in the intervention areas increased over time (baseline=8.0%, 15-months=37.0%). In LA, rates did not rise in the comparison area (baseline=4.0%, 15-months=3.3%). In NY, posttest data collection is ongoing. Conclusions: Campaign materials recognition increased throughout the intervention areas. In LA, subsequent to the 15-month interviews, staff increased outreach to impact additional variables such as STD knowledge, risk perception, and attitudes toward health seeking.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify the elements of a multimedia awareness campaign for increasing STD awareness and awareness of the importance of seeking regular health care. Participants will also be able to identify methods to measure campaign effectiveness.

Keywords: STD Prevention, Community Outreach

Related Web page: www.checkoutthatbody.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.