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“In My House”: Laying the Foundation for Youth HIV Prevention in the Black Church
- Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 6, Issue 4, Winter 2012
- pp. 451-456
- 10.1353/cpr.2012.0063
- Article
- Additional Information
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Background:
This article describes the process our community–academic partnership used to lay the groundwork for successful implementation of an adolescent-focused, evidence-based HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum in two Black churches.
Objectives: We highlight the challenges encountered and lessons learned in building a relationship with two churches, garnering the pastor’s support, and implementing the curriculum within church youth groups.
Methods: We engaged a Community Advisory Board (CAB) made up of youth, parents, and diverse faith leaders to ensure community relevance and guide project development, implementation, and evaluation.
Lessons Learned: Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach helped us to (1) engage diverse, intergenerational community members, (2) initiate a “culturally humble” process to build relationships with faith leaders, (3) remain responsive to stakeholder concerns, and (4) open the door to HIV prevention in the Black church.
Conclusions: Finding effective and responsive ways to implement HIV/AIDS prevention in faith settings is facilitated by engaging diverse partners throughout the research process.