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Pandemic prevention: protecting our community
This study used participatory research to engage youth and community leaders in developing a model to promote sexual health among African American youth in rural North Carolina. Through interviews, discussions, and surveys with community leaders and adolescents, the study identified key factors for creating effective, multi-level health interventions. The findings aim to advance health equity and inform whole-person health initiatives for this population.
Mission
To work with the community to understand what affects sexual health and find ways to help African American youth in rural North Carolina live healthier lives.
Vision
To create a program that helps improve sexual health and overall well-being with real, practical solutions.
Goals
To help African American youth in rural areas make safer choices, including lowering the rate of sexually transmitted infections, in their communities.
This study utilized participatory research methods to engage youth and the broader community in developing a comprehensive model to identify modifiable factors to promote sexual health among African American youth in rural North Carolina. The goal was to create a robust, multi-level intervention model that could lead to testable hypotheses and effective interventions. The study consisted of two stages. First, we conducted interviews and small group discussions with community, faith-based, and social service leaders, along with in-depth interviews, pilot surveys, and small group discussions with 20 adolescents aged 14-19. In the second stage, we surveyed 105 adolescents aged 14-19, recruited from rural North Carolina. Through qualitative interviews and focus groups with community leaders and a convenience sample of 20 youth, followed by a survey of 105 adolescents. The findings guided the development of whole person health initiatives aimed at advancing health equity.
- Participatory Research: Engaged youth and community leaders to develop a sexual health model for African American youth.
- Target Group: Focused on adolescents aged 14-19 in rural North Carolina.
- Two-Stage Process: Conducted interviews, small group discussions, pilot surveys, and larger surveys.
- Community Involvement: Collaborated with community, faith-based, and social service leaders.
- Health Equity: Developed initiatives to advance health equity and promote sexual health.
- Model Development: Created a multi-level intervention model based on community insights.
