AEGiS-15IAC: Model course for preparing allied health students in HIV and substance abuse prevention.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Model course for preparing allied health students in HIV and substance abuse prevention.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10439)

Coverley DM, Gore E
Howard University, Washington, DC, United States

ISSUE: Few health professionals are well prepared to deliver culturally appropriate and sensitive care to HIV-infected individuals with a history of substance abuse. Project: Since 2000, the Division of Allied Health Sciences at Howard University has implemented a model course to raise awareness and cultural sensitivity in providing health care to HIV-infected individuals with substance abuse histories. Through the use of music, videos, drama, and role playing, student awareness of substance abuse and HIV issues in an urban setting was enhanced. The course used video clips of persons living with HIV/AIDS, discussions centered around substance abuse topics, lifestyles, values, and health care issues of this special population. The course also used online chat room discussions to further enhance student knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Approximately 70 students enrolled in the program annually and included nursing, health management, physical therapy and other health majors. A survey was conducted to determine the usefulness of the course by graduates.

RESULTS: Over the three year period, some 200 students have completed the course; 100 of these have graduated and are employed in Health Systems. Survey findings revealed that over half of graduates were employed in settings that served HIV-infected individuals and nearly 25% had substance abuse histories. Graduates working in these settings reported that the course prepared them well in taking appropriate health histories, and recommending appropriate prevention interventions.

LESSONS LEARNED: The course model proved useful in preparing allied health students for employment. The use of music, videos, drama, role playing, and on-line chat rooms were useful in facilitating learning about cultural sensitivity issues. The course will be further enhanced by using persons living with HIV/AIDS as presenters in the future.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Students, HIV Infections, Substance-Related Disorders, Health Personnel, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, Delivery of Health Care, therapy, drug therapy

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