DiIorio C, Denzmore P, Williams P, McCarty F, Wang QT, Qi J, Bedell R; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. TuPeD4911.
Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, United States
ISSUES: HIV prevention programs for adolescents have demonstrated considerable success. However, these programs are generally limited in duration, cannot cover topics in depth, and do not always correspond to the adolescent's readiness to learn. To overcome these shortcomings, researchers have begun to assess HIV education programs for adolescents that include parents. The inclusion of parents is based on the premise that informed parents can teach and reinforce HIV prevention messages as needed, individualize instruction for their own adolescent, and can provide more material as necessary. Although there are several programs currently being evaluated that include mothers and adolescents, our program is specifically designed for fathers and their sons. DESCRIPTION: In this presentation, we will discuss the R.E.A.L. MEN program developed for fathers. The purpose of the program is to teach fathers about HIV prevention including risks and protection. The program is designed for fathers who have sons 11-14 years of age. The content of program also includes issues surrounding communication with adolescents, puberty, and STD infections. The goal of the program, which consists of 7 group sessions, is to provide information to fathers and to encourage them to share information with their sons. The program is being evaluated by examining father and son discussions about sex and sexual behaviors of adolescent sons. LESSONS LEARNED: Thus far, 55 fathers (or father figures) and their sons have participated in the HIV prevention program. Fathers report high levels of satisfaction with the program and higher rates of discussion with sons about HIV and STD prevention and puberty. RECOMMENDATIONS: From this research study, we will be able to determine the success of father-oriented HIV prevention programs for youth and provide specific recommendations for parent-focused interventions.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Adolescent Behavior
- Communication
- Fathers
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Infection
- Male
- Mothers
- Parents
- Sexual Behavior
- education
- organization & administration
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102255575
From Meeting Abstracts