Using Social Media and Mobile Tech to Normalize HIV Testing Among Teens
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The document discusses the critical issue of HIV infections among youth aged 13 to 24, emphasizing that a significant percentage are unaware of their status, with a focus on the barriers to testing such as perceived risk and stigma. It proposes utilizing social and mobile media to normalize HIV testing through a comprehensive website, text message updates, and interactive platforms, which have shown potential in positively influencing attitudes towards testing. Next steps include updating the website, adding features for male inquiries, and evaluating the impact of these initiatives.
Using Social Media and Mobile Tech to Normalize HIV Testing Among Teens
- 1. Using Social and Mobile Media to Normalize HIV Testing Among Teens Ruth S. Buzi, LCSW, Ph.D. Peggy B. Smith, MA, Ph.D. Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinic
- 2. The Problem About 1 in 4 (26%) of all new HIV infections are among youth ages 13 to 24 years.About 4 in 5 of these infections occur in males. Nearly 60% of new infections in youth occur in African Americans, about 20% in Hispanics/Latinos, and about 20% in whites. About 60% of youth with HIV do not know they are infected.These youth can also unknowingly pass HIV to others. Young men are far more likely than young women to have HIV and are also less likely to get tested.
- 3. Barriers for HIV Testing Do not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV exposure Believe parental consent is required for HIV testing Concerned about the breach of confidentiality Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/ AIDS
- 4. The Possible Solution Technology use among youth is very common Web-based technology reach youth where they are Social and Mobile technologies can be effective in normalizing HIV testing and may reduce the stigma associated with testing
- 5. Increase Testing A comprehensive website provides science-based information on HIV and sites for testing http://www.teenhealthclinic.org/ AskTiff, an avatar, allows teens to submit queries-most are related to cost, parental consent and confidentiality
- 6. Text Messages Updates on HIV are sent weekly (160 characters) Examples: Today is NationalWomen & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Know your status, stay safe & have a great spring break February 7, 2013 is National Black HIV/AIDS. Time to get tested and involved in fighting HIV in our community
- 7. Social Network Sites-Potential Interaction http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baylor- Teen-Health-Clinic/20063283236?ref=ts https://twitter.com/BCMTeenClinic http://www.myspace.com/438103665
- 8. Webisodes In collaboration with the University of Houston, Webisodes were produced to communicate messages about HIV/STD prevention.
- 10. Online Outreach Established presence on Mingle2 and OkCupid sites to invite individuals for testing
- 11. Teens’ Input Teens provided input on texts (out of 75): ◦ The information can keep me from catching any STD or help prevent the spread of a STD. ◦ They are very useful. I take them into consideration and share them with my family and friends and use it in my everyday life. ◦ They are very interesting and provide much awareness!With people being so tied into cell phones text messages are a great tool.
- 12. Behavior/Attitude Change-Online Survey Out of the 349 participants, 228 answered the question, which is as follows;“How likely will you be to change your attitudes/ actions regarding safe sex after looking at this website?” Out of this group, 66.7% answered “very likely”, 25.4% answered “undecided” and 7.9% answered “very unlikely”.
- 13. Next Steps RenewWebsite with input from clients Add a feature “Ask Ty” to encourage questions from males Add new social media sites In the process of working on new Webisodes Continue to evaluate impact of initiatives
- 14. Contact Ruth Buzi, Ph.D., rbuzi@bcm.edu Peggy Smith, Ph.D., peggys@bcm.edu