Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries (January 11 - 14, 2007)

AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American women ages 25-44. In 2002, half of the new adult AIDS cases were reported among African Americans. More than two-thirds of women with AIDS in 1999-2002 were Black. Women and girls are more vulnerable to HIV due to female biology; the virus is more often transmitted from male to female. HIV contracted during adolescence develops into AIDS by young adulthood. For Black adolescent girls what is the relationship between self-worth, self-efficacy, racial esteem, self-deprecation and positive condom beliefs? Will a 12-hour group program (consisting of HIV information, discussions about race and gender stereotypes, and the exercise of behavioral and communication skills) increase positive condom beliefs? Participants were recruited from youth programs and schools, this yielded a sample of 50 adolescent girls but due to attrition, 41 girls completed the program. They participated a 12 hour psychoeducational group program (9-12 girls per group; lasting between 6-12 weeks) completing pretest and posttests. Twenty-seven parents completed descriptive surveys to provide important contextual information. Bivariate analyses found positive relationships between the following variables: self-esteem and self-efficacy (r = .60, p < .01); self-efficacy and positive condom beliefs (r = .40, p = .05). Using paired sample t-tests the following outcomes were derived: There were no significant differences in self-esteem, self-worth, self-efficacy, neighbors, and neighborhoods. The 12-hour group program did not significantly increase positive condom beliefs, [t(36) = -1.817, p = .078)], but it did significantly decrease negative condom beliefs [t(37) = -7.166, p = .000)]; self-deprecation [t(37)= -2.929, p = .006)]; and unexpectedly decreased racial esteem [t(39) = -2.718, p = .010)]. Implications for practice: For Black adolescent girls making the use of condoms less unattractive may be a better approach to increased condom use rather than trying to make condoms attractive. Addressing critical assessments, and stereotypes related to the girls cultural background may encourage questions around racial esteem (highlighting encounter experiences), yet lessen self-deprecation and increase self-efficacy about sexual health care. Important observations for further research: The benefits of Black adolescent girls psycho-educational groups in agency settings; the impact of childhood sexual trauma on adolescent sex health care; and the significance of facilitating courtship and sexual discussions among adolescents in safe spaces.