Background Rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies are disproportionately high among African American adolescents and young adults (AYA). New media platforms such as social networking sites, microblogs, online video sites, and mobile phone applications may be a promising approach in promoting safe sex and preventing sexually transmitted infections. Objective The purpose of this scoping review was to address promising approaches in new media that may serve as valuable tools in health promotion, prevention, education, and intervention development aimed at African American AYA. Methods An electronic search was conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINHAL), and PubMed online databases. Concept blocks and MeSH terminology were used to identify articles around African American youth and new media. Results The search yielded 1169 articles, and 16 publications met the criteria. Studies from the review found themes in new media that included feasibility, changing attitudes, and improving knowledge related to sexual health behavior among youth of color. Conclusions New media is a promising and feasible platform for improving the sexual health of African American AYA. Further research is suggested to better understand the benefits of new media as a sexual health promotion tool among this specific population.

Background: Urban African American adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face multiple barriers to effective engagement in health care, including access to primary and specialty care services resulting in significant disparities in care. Purpose: To conduct a needs assessment to enhance service delivery of AYAs at an urban federally qualified health center (FQHC) organization in Detroit. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted among pediatric staff members (N = 11) using the community needs assessment approach specified for FQHCs. Results: The needs assessment determined the following priorities for AYAs seeking care at this FQHC organization: (1) mental health (e.g., depression and anxiety), (2) obesity, and (3) sexual health (e.g., sexually transmitted infection testing). Conclusion: When analyzing a population to learn about community-based issues, a needs assessment is a valuable tool. The information here has been used as supplemental information to address the health inequities that African American youth face within Detroit.

Background and purpose Research on communication between resident and nonresident African American fathers and their sons about sex has been understudied. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of parenting variables, specifically, racial socialization and father involvement on nonresident African American father–son communication about sex. Methods Data for this study are from the Fathers and Sons Project. This intervention study is designed to enhance relationships between nonresident African American fathers and their 8–12 year old sons and to prevent risky health behaviors among sons. The present study is based on 345 African American boys who completed baseline face‐to‐face interviews. The average age of the sons was 10.2 years old (SD = 1.4), with an average of two siblings (SD = 1.53). Results Age and sons’ perceptions of more parental monitoring by their fathers were predictive of increased communication about sex. Racial socialization messages explained additional variance in communication about sex above other parenting variables and controls. Implications for practice Findings suggest when working with African American families, providers who counsel parents, and in particular provide outreach to fathers regarding communication about sex, are in a unique position to enhance parenting communication skills about sexuality.

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Background: Gender-based data indicates that within-race STI rate disparities exist for young African Americans males, (YAAMs) ages 18 to 24. Social media may prove to be a valuable tool for delivering theory-driven messages about sexual health knowledge and behaviors, including condom usage, directly to YAAMs in promoting safer sex behaviors for this population. Purpose: To examine the current attitudes, norms and perceived controls related to the influence of social media on condom use among YAAMs ages 18 to 21. Methods: Nine group-depth interviews were held with 41 participants, mean age 19, SD +1.2, were conducted in metro Detroit to understand use of social media for condom use education, and health messages among YAAMs ages 18 to 21. Results: Participants demonstrated positive attitudes about using social media for condom use education. Social media sites that were educational (n = 12) and engaging (n = 5) made it easy to seek out sexual health information related to condom use. Similarly, participants liked social media for condom use education if Jade C. Burns ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dr. Jade C. Burns' health service research focuses on innovative approaches using communityengaged research and technology (e.g., social media, mobile apps) to increase access to sexual health services for adolescents and young adults at community health centers. Dr. Burns' area of expertise in clinical practice as a pediatric nurse practitioner is adolescent health care, family planning, health promotion, and HIV/STI prevention. Her secondary area of interest is improving nursing practice and training programs in underserved areas.Dr. Saint Arnault's research centers on gender, cultural, and social influences on mental health, trauma recovery, and help seeking. She develops and tests her Cultural Determinants of Help Seeking theory in research with women in the U. S., Ireland, Japan, Brazil, Italy and Portugal. Dr. Saint Arnault also focuses on the impact of gender-based trauma on mental health, functioning and quality of life. She is researching mind-body and culturally tailored interventions to promote mental and physical health for women from a variety of cultures. PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENTThis paper examines the use of social media as a tool to promote sexual health education among young African American males. The findings here can help healthcare providers, the community and researchers understand social media preferences, how youth navigate these systems and better understand the role social media in adolescent and young adult healthcare.