There is an increasing call for HIV prevention programs that target social determinants of HIV. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences and perceptions of 12 African American adolescents to identify important social and community targets for HIV prevention. We used photovoice methodology to engage adolescents in a critical analysis of their experiences to arrive at a deeper understanding of the social determinants of HIV and determine specific action steps to reduce HIV risk. Analyses revealed a variety of social and environmental factors that affect the lives of African American adolescents by creating conditions that put them at greater risk for HIV. Study findings support mobilizing community action through raising awareness and advocating for increased neighborhood resources and institutional support. We conclude with research and practice implications for community-relevant HIV prevention among African American youth.

Objective To analyze organization-level correlates of immunization coverage among adolescents served by high-volume primary care providers in North Carolina. Method We randomly selected 91 clinics with at least 200 active records for patients ages 11–18 in the North Carolina Immunization Registry. For the 105,121 adolescents served by these clinics, we obtained immunization status for 6 vaccines, including human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (females only); meningococcal conjugate; and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster (Tdap). Results Clinics specializing in pediatrics had higher coverage for meningococcal vaccine (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.25–2.55), Tdap vaccine (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.00–1.50), and childhood vaccines. However, pediatric clinics had lower coverage for HPV vaccine initiation (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52–0.94). Other correlates, which varied by vaccine, included policies related to vaccine documentation and the age at which clinics recommended vaccines. Conclusion Overall, adolescents were more likely to receive vaccines, except HPV vaccine, if they attended a pediatric clinic with supportive clinical policies.

Spoken word, a form of performance poetry, is a promising approach to HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, as it has the potential to encourage dialogue among and within communities and address concerns regarding the social stigma present in rural communities. The purpose of this study is to describe the development and implementation of the Spoken Word Project (SWP), an HIV/AIDS pilot intervention in rural North Carolina designed to improve HIV-related attitudes and self-efficacy and decrease stigma through the use of performance poetry. Spoken word is a collaborative effort between residents of two rural counties in North Carolina and Project GRACE (Growing, Reaching, Advocating for Change and Empowerment), a community-based participatory research collaboration aimed at reducing health disparities in African American communities. The project included 15 adult and youth participants. Results indicated that spoken word has the ability to build upon local resources, generate community reflection, and engage a broad spectrum of performers and audiences. Our findings also showed that the effect of stigma and limited community conversations about HIV in rural communities can be abated through the use of spoken word.

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