Free, Martinique C. G.
(2006)
UTILIZING STUDENT ORGANIZATONS AT HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE RURAL SOUTH TO FACILITATE HIV/AIDS EDUCATION.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
AbstractHIV/AIDS among students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the rural South is a growing public health concern. Lack of basic HIV/AIDS knowledge, underestimating risky behaviors, and lack of discussions relating to sexuality are some factors that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS within the HBCU population. Objectives of the study included the following: 1) To examine how the issue of HIV/AIDS is viewed by student leaders and organizations on campus; 2) To examine what student organizations and administrators are doing to educate the student body on HIV/AIDS; 3) To identify barriers that student organizations and administrators face when providing education to students; and 4) To examine how student leaders rate their leadership influence when interacting with their peers.This study utilized a qualitative research design in which student leaders and administrators were interviewed and asked a series of questions related to HIV/AIDS education on their campus. Student leader participants were recruited from a university site located in the rural South. Interviews were collected through a 30 minute tape-recorded session on campus. Interview data were analyzed using principles of grounded theory. The findings of the study suggest that student organizations could be a useful vehicle for HIV/AIDS peer-led interventions if their members are well trained and first address underlying issues such as cultural homophobia, sexuality, and stigma relating to HIV/AIDS. Administrators of the university should encourage students to be creative when addressing their peers about issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. Researchers and public health officials must create appropriate interventions to address issues surrounding HIV/AIDS before effective education of HIV/AIDS can take place. Public health significance: Improving HIV education among HBCU students presents a potentially effective strategy that addresses the larger issue of HIV/AIDS among African Americans by focusing their efforts and targeting a smaller sub-population first. The public health relevance of improving education among HBCU campuses is evident when considered in light of this promising possibility. This sub-population is particularly important because many of these individuals will become leaders of the African American community, and influence community behavior and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.
Share
Citation/Export: |
|
Social Networking: |
|
Details
Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
Status: |
Unpublished |
Creators/Authors: |
|
ETD Committee: |
|
Date: |
18 September 2006 |
Date Type: |
Completion |
Defense Date: |
18 July 2006 |
Approval Date: |
18 September 2006 |
Submission Date: |
2 August 2006 |
Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Infectious Diseases and Microbiology |
Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
Refereed: |
Yes |
Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and; HIV/AIDS; African American College Students and HIV/AIDS; Black College Students |
Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-08022006-134212/, etd-08022006-134212 |
Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 19:56 |
Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:47 |
URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8822 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |