Seeking HIV and STI health information: Focus group findings from youth, ages 15-24

Background: Research has shown that less than 20 percent of youth would seek care related to birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or drug use if parental notice was mandated. A teen, struggling with concerns over sexual health or substance abuse, may be reluctant to share concerns with a parent for fear of embarrassment, disapproval, or violence. The purpose of this study was to understand youth seeking information about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and STI, as part of a larger study to develop a unique health communication approach, “motion comic,” to address HIV/STI prevention among youth. Methods: Formative focus groups (n=6) were conducted with youth ages 15-24 (n=34) (Mean age=19.6) to develop audience-generated content, including: art style; characters; storylines; and dialogue to enhance the relevance, acceptability, and appropriateness of a motion comic HIV/STI intervention. Results: The participants were 79% male; 14% female; 6% transgender; 88% African American; 12% white. Key themes emerged from thematic analysis on where youth seek HIV/STI information. The most common sources were: Clinics/Doctors/Nurses; Internet; Schools; Community Based Organizations; Family; and Peers. The most trusted sources were clinics, Google, and family. The least trusted sources were friends and religious groups. Conclusions: Data from the focus groups on where youth seek HIV/STI information will be incorporated into motion comic episodes. Findings from this study will (a) highlight the importance of including youth in the development of health information tailored for youth; and (b) inform how illustrated films and animation can influence youth seeking behavior about HIV/STI health information.