Health Care : Current Reviews

Implementing HIV prevention edutainment webisodes for African American communities

Joint Event 20^th World Congress on Infection Prevention and Control 14^th International Conference on Advances in Skin, Wound Care and Tissue Science

November 28-29, 2024 Paris, France

Chakema Carmack*1, Taylor Coleman1 and Ezemenari Obasi2

1University of Houston, USA 2Wayne State University

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Health Care Curr Re

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: HIV remains a health disparity concern for African Americans and HIV is among the top 10 causes of death among African Americans between 20 – 54 years old. Heterosexual sexual contact comprised 34% of new cases among African Americans. Heterosexual individuals may directly spread infection through heterosexual contact, but can also be directly infected by bi-sexual sexual contact and/or indirectly through homosexual sexual contact. (CDC, 2023). Culturally tailored evidence-informed interventions and effective implementation strategies are needed. Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: Feasibility and pilot testing were conducted using a mixed methodology embedded two-phase quasi-experimental design. Findings: Qualitative results showed that both men and women hold misconceptions and myths about condom use and HIV, and community leaders would like to see condom use normalized and encouraged within the community. Quantitative results (N=164) showed that the pilot edutainment webisode increased attitudes about condoms (p<.001), self-efficacy in partner communication about condoms (p<.001), and HIV knowledge (p<.001). The webisode was rated acceptable clinics, colleges, and community centers by >90% of participants. Conclusion & Significance: Feasibility and pilot study will be extended to test a type two implementation and effectiveness trail. Non-superiority implementation will compare a community-developed digital platform implementation and standard mental health professional implementation, alongside a controlled effectiveness trial. Both program and implementation strategies will be developed with community advisory support and disseminated back to the community via community centers and other organizations.

Biography :

Chakema Carmack is a community psychologist with expertise in program planning, effectiveness evaluation, structural equation modeling, and thematic analyses. Her passion is in improving sexual health and ameliorating HIV/STI disparities among African American, Hispanic, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) communities. Her innovation in HIV prevention through culturally relevant edutainment utilizes social media to create new pathways for improving disease prevention and promoting a culture of health. He is currently an associate professor at the University of Houston where she engages in scholarship, teaching, and community service throughout Houston. She currently serves as the Community Engagement Core director of the HEALTH Research Institute; an NIH-NIMHD designated Research Center in Minority Institutions (RCMI) where she engages in meaningful research via community and university partnerships toward a goal of health equity.