Recorded presentation

Lynn D. Woodhouse, EdD, MPH, Public Health Program, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect St., 242 DeNike Building, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, 570 422 3560, lynnwood9@aol.com, William C. Livingood, PhD, Institute for Health, Policy & Evaluation Research, Duval County Health Department - University of Florida, 900 University Blvd North Suite 604, Jacksonville, FL 32211, and Anita Davis, Institute for Health policy & Evaluation Research, Duval County Health department, 900 University Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32211.

During 2002-2003, as part of a statewide “needs assessment,” three ethnographic studies were conducted. The purpose of these studies was to capture the similarities and differences between three populations frequently overlooked for care and treatment. The three populations, recently incarcerated individuals, migrant workers and young adults, were chosen as a result of a statewide planning group assessment of vulnerable populations. Included in these studies was in-depth interviewing of over 200 individuals, each from one of the three described populations. Analysis of these interviews has illuminated many similarities and differences in belief systems, behaviors and experiences. In an effort to further document the value of these ethnographic studies, a special meta-analysis of the data has been conducted to understand the implications of the studies for prevention. This analysis has implications for prevention strategies that may or may not be effective. The interviewees reinforce the value of many practices perceived to be evidence-based, but they also shed light on practices that may need to be re-examined. As these studies are ethnographic, the voice of the participants will be highlighted as results are shared. Suggestions for using ethnographic methods to influence development and refinement of best practice in prevention activities will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants in this session will be able to discuss the similarities and differences in the findings from ethnographic interview studies of recently incarcerated, migrant workers and young adults (total N = 200).
• Participants will be able to describe how the differences and similarities in findings from the three ethnographic studies can help tailor context specific prevention interventions.
• Participants will be able to discuss the value of ethnographic studies for helping to illuminate issues specific to overlooked populations.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Practice-Based Research

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.

Recorded presentation