 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Christine M. Markham, PhD1, Melissa Fleschler, MPH1, Nicole McKirahan, MPH1, S. Liliana Escobar-Chaves, DrPH2, Ross Shegog, PhD3, Barbara J Low, DrPH4, Melanie Thiel, BA1, Robert C. Addy, MA5, and Susan Tortolero, PhD6. (1) Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas-Houston, 7000 Fannin, 26th floor, Houston, TX 77030, (2) Center for Health Promotion Research and Development, University of Texas-Houston, 7000 Fannin, 26th floor, Houston, TX 77030, (3) Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, UT-Houston School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030, (4) Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin Street, Suite 2664B, Houston, TX 77030, (5) School of Public Health, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, 7000 Fannin Ste. 2610I, Houston, TX 77030, (6) Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas - Houston, 7000 Fannin, Ste 2622, Houston, TX 77030
BACKGROUND: Adolescents are engaging in sexual activity at earlier ages and with more partners. There is an urgent need to develop effective HIV/STD and pregnancy interventions for middle school youth, to help delay or mitigate the consequences of early sexual activity.
OBJECTIVES: To present a practical methodology for developing a multi-component, HIV/STD prevention programs for middle school youth.
METHODS: Intervention Mapping (IM) was used for intervention development. IM provides a methodology to: (1) identify proximal program objectives; (2) identify theory-based methods and practical strategies for effective intervention; (3) identify critical aspects for program delivery.
RESULTS: Data from an urban school district indicate that 25.0% of middle school students reported ever having sex, with the proportion increasing from 18.1% of 6th graders to 27.3% of 8th graders. Of sexually experienced students, 37.1% reported first sex before age 11; 38.0% already had three or more partners. IM was used to incorporate data from student and parent focus groups on dating and sexual behavior together with theoretical and empirical evidence to develop a classroom curriculum and interactive CD-ROM-based tailored intervention. The curriculum addresses peer norms, attitudes, self-efficacy, refusal skills and communication skills related to healthy relationships, dating, and sexual risk-taking behavior. The CD-ROM-based intervention, delivered in conjunction with the curriculum, tailors information to the individual’s intentions or behaviors related to sexual risk-taking.
CONCLUSIONS: IM provides an effective methodology for developing HIV/STD interventions that are culturally sensitive and relevant to the needs of middle school youth.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Sexual Risk Behavior
Related Web page: NA
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: NA
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.