Development of an HIV/AIDS prevention program for at-risk urban aboriginal youth: a community-based research project.
Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. C10022)
Isaac-Mann ST University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
HIV/AIDS has not left Aboriginal peoples untouched. Aboriginal people are younger than the general Canadian population. The average age of HIV onset is now 23 years of age. The average age for Aboriginal people is 23 years. Aboriginal AIDS cases have been on the rise in Canada since 1991 (Image 1). Aboriginal youth are of primary concern because they are participating in high-risk activities such as IDU, MSM, unprotected sex, and sex trade. The data indicates that there is an urgent need to develop HIV prevention programming that specifically focuses on at-risk Aboriginal youth. This study utilized quantitative and qualitative research methods within a Community-based research project (CBR). Data for this research project was gathered using questionnaires completed by 118 Urban Aboriginal Youth aged 15-24 years old in Edmonton, Alberta. Ten of those questionnaire participants were asked to participate in a 30 - 60 minute interview. Some findings include: living on the reservation is a risk because of high sexual promiscuity; street fights was identified as a risk factor for HIV transmission; cultural involvement was identified as key to helping youth; youth identified the need for Aboriginal healers, Elders and Spiritual leaders; programs should be run by people who have experience with HIV/AIDS (should involve the community and the youth); the need for better teaching tools (eg, videos, workshops, and teachings); young people should be involved in planning and teaching about HIV/AIDS. A program should be developed that incorporates the information from this study and a best practice model should be developed. A further in depth study would be beneficial for future endeavours to improve the prevention programs that are provided to Aboriginal youth. An innovative, multi-disciplinary approach to HIV/AIDS prevention must be developed in order to prevent the spread of this disease in our Aboriginal youth and our communities.<IMG SRC="images/prog/C10022_IMG1.jpg" border=0>
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Unsafe Sex, HIV Infections, Sexual Behavior, Human Development, Risk Factors, Adolescent Health Services, Canada, Alberta, Adolescent, Humans, growth & development
