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Hispanic Students' Perceptions About HIV/STI Testing and Prevention: A Mixed-Methods Study in a Hispanic-Serving
Sofia B Fernandez1, Melissa Howard1, Michelle Hospital1
11 Community Based Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
Health Promotion Practice
|September 27, 2018
Summary
Hispanic young adults need accessible HIV/STI testing and prevention services. Social media and on-campus flyers are preferred information channels, with normalization of services key for adoption.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Health Communication
Background:
- Hispanic young adults face disproportionately high rates of HIV in the U.S.
- Targeted prevention efforts are crucial for this demographic.
- Understanding perceptions is key to increasing service adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore English-speaking Hispanic young adults' perceptions of HIV/STI testing and prevention.
- To inform the development of effective health promotion strategies.
- To increase acceptance and adoption of HIV/STI services.
Main Methods:
- Four qualitative focus groups (n=30) and an anonymous survey (n=24) were conducted.
- A mixed-methods approach was used to gather comprehensive data.
- The study focused on students aged 18-24 at a Hispanic-serving university.
Main Results:
- Accessible testing and normalization of services are perceived as important by Hispanic young adults.
- Social media and on-campus flyers are preferred methods for information dissemination.
- There was varied consensus on the necessity of culturally tailored messaging.
Conclusions:
- Findings offer practical insights for health promotion targeting ethnic minority groups.
- Accessible and normalized HIV/STI testing services are vital for Hispanic young adults.
- A mixed-methods approach effectively informs health promotion strategies.