HIV/AIDS knowledge and behavior among African-Americans in California


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

3230.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 2:30 PM

Abstract #110550

Rotrease Regan Yates, MPH¹, Typhanye V. Penniman, MPH¹, Taigy Tamia Thomas, MA², Nicole Bronson, MPH³, and Jackie M. Provost, MPHc⁴. (1) Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, 36-071 Center for Health Sciences, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, 310-558-8789, regan_yates@yahoo.com, (2) Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Box 951772, 36-071 Center for the Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, (3) Department of Health Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, 31-269 Center for the Health Sciences, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, (4) Department of Epidemiology, University of California-Los Angeles, Box 951772, 71-254 Center for Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772

To assess current HIV testing behavior and knowledge of HIV/AIDS treatment among African-Americans living in California, survey data from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was analyzed. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is a state-based telephone surveillance system, which is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data are collected from a random sample of adults aged 18 years of age or older, through a telephone survey. These data reveal important characteristics about the health of communities and serve to inform health-related policy decisions. Analysis of ever-testing history and rates of testing revealed differences among blacks and whites. Differences in knowledge are also seen regarding maternal transmission as well as the availability of antiviral therapy. These differences appear to be associated with socio-economic status, level of education and race. An ecological model of health stresses the impact of environmental factors on an individual's behavior and health. Health outcomes are dependent upon the interaction of both physical and social variables. Interventions addressing HIV/AIDS knowledge and behavior among African-Americans should take an ecological approach in order to ensure the receipt and acceptance of correct health information. Addressing intrapersonal, interpersonal, community and societal levels for program implementation will more comprehensibly address problems associated with barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

1) Describe the differences between HIV/AIDS knowledge and testing rates among whites and blacks in California.
2) Use an ecological model when prioritizing interventions which aim to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission among African-American in California.

Keywords: African American, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

APHA Student Assembly Poster Session II

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA