A Family-Based HIV Prevention Program for Black Men to Protect Black Girls
University of Illinois at Chicago
Summary
The scientific premise of this research is that individual, interpersonal, and structural factors impact Black girls' sexual reproductive health outcomes (sexually transmitted infection (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)) and experience of sexual violence. This study expands STI/HIV prevention programs to include Black male caregivers, a potentially valuable yet underutilized resource to protect Black girls and reduce their exposure to STI/HIV and sexual violence.
Description
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a major public health problem for Black girls in the United States. Each year 1 in 4 Black girls, 14-19 years old acquires an STI, placing them at risk for poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes (SRH) (i.e., pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)). In Chicago, STI rates are highest among 13- to 29-year-old Black girls, and they represent 56% of new HIV diagnoses compared to other racial groups, making adolescence an exceptionally vulnerable period. These r…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 13+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: AIM 1: * Self-identify as African American, Black, or mixed race with African American or Black * Speak English * Males must identify as a current caregiver to girl enrolled in the study AIM 2: All Community Based Organizations (CBO) directors and IMAGE liaisons will be eligible. Exclusion Criteria: AIM 1: * Girl refuses to participate * Inability to understand the consent/assent process * Non-English speaking * Does not self-identify as African American, Black, or mixed race with African American or Black * If the primary caregiver (female caregiver/mother) does not…
Interventions
- BehavioralIMARA for Black Male Caregivers and Girls Empowerment
IMAGE is delivered by trained Black female facilitators to improve girls' SRH outcomes, prevention HIV/STIs, and reduce sexual violence. Over the two days, some components of the curriculum are delivered separately to male caregivers and girls, covering parallel content, and other sections are delivered jointly in a single group. The curriculum, extensively tailored for the target population and pilot tested, addresses Black girls' sexual development, risk for sexual violence, female anatomy, body positivity, HIV/STI knowledge and attitudes, and condom use. IMAGE is designed to strengthen bonds and communication between male caregivers and girls by encouraging perspective-taking (i.e., reverse role play) and conflict resolution.
- BehavioralTime-matched control program
FUEL will engage Black male caregivers and girls to promote good nutrition, exercise, and informed consumer behavior. Topics include the impact of media on body image, evaluating nutritional labels to make healthy food choices, eating balanced meals, establishing regular exercise routines, and how families and communities can support healthy behavior. FUEL includes a brief video about HIV/AIDS and other STIs but otherwise does not otherwise address sexual health. Like IMAGE, FUEL is delivered in groups of 6-8 dyads over two workshop days (\~10 hours total) in one weekend. Parts of the curriculum are delivered separately to girls and male caregivers covering parallel content and other components are delivered jointly.
Location
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago, Illinois