Exploring the Social and Community Context of African American Adolescents’ HIV Vulnerability

Abstract

There is an increasing call for HIV prevention programs that target social determinants of HIV. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences and perceptions of 12 African American adolescents to identify important social and community targets for HIV prevention. We used photovoice methodology to engage adolescents in a critical analysis of their experiences to arrive at a deeper understanding of the social determinants of HIV and determine specific action steps to reduce HIV risk. Analyses revealed a variety of social and environmental factors that affect the lives of African American adolescents by creating conditions that put them at greater risk for HIV. Study findings support mobilizing community action through raising awareness and advocating for increased neighborhood resources and institutional support. We conclude with research and practice implications for community-relevant HIV prevention among African American youth.

Exchange of Sex for Drugs or Money in Adolescents and Young Adults: An Examination of Sociodemographic Factors, HIV-Related Risk, and Community Context

“…Being a victim of a crime, and experiencing unemployment, and use of community housing services may all be related to prior and/or current homelessness, which present economic challenges that might position these young individuals to exchange sex to support themselves or and perhaps to support their drug use. Other researchers have identified an association between exchange of sex and violence [19], while others have related exchange of sex to housing instability and homelessness [16, 17]. However, there is limited available data on such factors as unemployment and job training access and utilization for adolescents and young adults in resource-challenged urban communities as it relates to exchange of sex.…”

“What I wish my doctor knew about my life”: Using photovoice with immigrant Latino adolescents to explore barriers to healthcare

“…The goal of the SHOWED process is to move the discussion from individual observation to group interpretation, triggering emotion and connection to the issue at hand, critique, and finally new collective understanding geared towards action. Photovoice culminates in a forum where participants present findings to influential advocates and engage them in generating action steps for change (Baquero et al., 2014; Woods-Jaeger et al., 2013).…”

“…The consent process was carried out in English with the youth and in Spanish with the parents. Once consent and assent were obtained, the research team met with youth participants only to introduce the photovoice process and demonstrate the photovoice SHOWED dialogue method (Baquero et al., 2014; Wallerstein, 1994; Woods-Jaeger et al., 2013). Once they understood SHOWED, each group generated a list of possible photo assignments related to the topic “What I wish my doctor knew about my life,” and then chose one assignment for the first week by consensus.…”

Efficacy of the Young Women's CoOp: An HIV Risk-Reduction Intervention for Substance-Using African-American Female Adolescents in the South

“…HIV/STI risk-reduction interventions clearly need to address the complex behaviors among young substance-using African-American female adolescents living in disadvantaged communities (Akers, Muhammad, & Corbie-Smith, 2011; Raiford et al, 2014; Woods-Jaeger et al, 2013). Unfortunately, no best-evidence interventions currently exist that address the nexus of substance use, gender-based violence, and sexual risk in this population.…”