Transfer of HIV-protective techniques to adolescent boys by mothers and fictive kin
https://youtu.be/fKxGzEhzAis
Abstract
Male mentors can play a vital role in HIV primary prevention amongst adolescent males; especially those who reside in maternal single-parent households. In-depth interviews with ten triads (including mentors, mothers, and youth) describe their conversations with 9-15 year old male mentees in single mother households about relationships, sex, and HIV/AIDS. The content of these discussions were not generally characterized by breadth or depth. Analysis of the triads’ responses to an objective HIV knowledge questionnaire indicated that generally, mentors and mothers do not have command of fundamental HIV facts and understanding. Once consent is given, and communication skills are improved, addressing knowledge deficits may advance a mentor or single mother’s ability to intervene and promote HIV prevention amongst adolescent males.
About the Presenter
Kaydian S. Reid, MA
Adjunct Faculty, College of New Rochelle
kaydian.reid@hunter.cuny.edu
After completing her Masters of Arts in Sociology in 2007 at St. John’s University, New York, NY, Ms. Reid accepted a position as adjunct faculty in Sociology at the College of New Rochelle, where she teaches about social theory, family, health, and social stratification. Her research focuses on Black single mothers, male mentors, and pre- or early-adolescent males. This research examines Black single mothers raising their sons in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods with high HIV seroprevalence. Ms. Reid is well aware of health related issues in Black families and recognizes the necessity of conducting research in this area. Prior to her current positions, Ms. Reid served as director to a community-based mentoring program that offers services to the children of both single and incarcerated parents.
Ms. Reid serves on the NGO HIV/AIDS committee at the United Nations. Ms. Reid received a Robert Wood Foundation award from the University of Michigan and is currently a student at Hunter College’s School of Public Health. In her spare time Ms. Reid enjoys running, and has received numerous track and field awards while competing at St. Johns University.
…
Leave questions and comments for this presenter below:
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back later in life. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend!
Dr. Thorpe,
Thank you for your guidance and mentorship. Your feedback means a lot to my research and growth in the sexual health domain.
Kaydian,
You have done a wonderful job on your research. It would be great to see a curriculum implemented that would help train mentors, mothers and ultimately male youth in making education decisions about relationships, sex and HIV.
It was truly a pleasure to work with you, and to see you blossom into such a fine researcher.
Dr. Thorpe
Herb, thanks for your constructive feedback—greatly appreciated.
To answer your questions, please see below.
Methodology: Would like to have learned a bit more of the methodology.
Triads were recruited from a mentoring organization. The principal investigator mapped the high seroprevalence locations in Brooklyn and queens. The Program Manager then identified and informed those triads qualified to participate in the study. Also, triads matched for six or more months was another inclusion criterion,.
After triads contacted (i.e. email and/or telephone) the research team, interviews were scheduled at locations chosen by triads. Each member of the triad was interview separately. The semi-structured interviews were conducted and immediately after the interviews, triads completed a questionnaire.
Reaction of participants: How did the participants react to the study; did they reconsider what they knew, did they express frustration, etc?
Overall, participants were pleased about the study. Youth were expressive about the study. Mentors thought the research was needed especially to aid them about how and what should they speak with male youth on the topic of relationships, sex, and HIV/AIDS. Some mothers expressed a sense of relief because the study broadened their understanding and knowledge about the importance of quality sex-related conversations for their sons.
Why were just male youth studied?
For three reasons:
1. High demands for male mentors by mothers for their sons and one request was for mentors to speak with their sons (i.e. pre and adolescence) about sex-related communication
2. HIV/AIDS epidemic disproportionately affects African Americans
3. Limited research that focus on fictive kins who might serve as primary preventive HIV/AIDs educators for male youths who reside in maternal households
What sources did the youths draw upon for HIV/AIDS knowledge?
Youth mentioned schools, parents, and male peers or family members. However, they feel comfortable receiving HIV/AIDS knowledge from a male (e.g. mentor) rather than their mother.
Thanks again.
Very important work, nicely done. Would like to have learned a bit more of the methodology. How did the triads come into being? At what point in their formation did the interviews,etc take place? What feedback about performance was given? How did the participants react to the study; did they reconsider what they knew, did they express frustration,etc? Why were just male youth studied? What sources did the youths draw upon for HIV/AIDS knowledge? In any event, a marvelous start.
Nelson,
Thank you for your comments. I truly appreciate it. Your support also contribute to the finish product–Many thanks.
Wonderful!
Kaydian, personally I think that your presentation highlights important domains. The key here is enhancing our understanding of the subtleties inherent to dyad and triad familial dynamics.
I commend you on this difficult enterprise, much praise!