Increasing Awareness and Knowledge among Adult Latinos regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

AbstractLatinos in the United States are disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They account for about 24 % of newly diagnosed AIDS cases each year and are two to three times more likely to develop STIs when compared with non-Latino whites. Limited knowledge of STIs has remained one of the contributing factors to the disparity. The purpose of this study was to implement an educational bundle and evaluate its effectiveness in increasing STI knowledge and consistent condom use among adult Latinos seen in an outpatient clinic that serves low income patients. A pre- and post-test design was used to evaluate changes in STI knowledge and consistency of condom use. The educational bundle consisted of YouTube STI-related videos, a pre-designed one to one educational session, provision of condoms and STI-related educational materials. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data at baseline and one week post implementation of the educational bundle. Forty-six Latinos (18 females and 28 males) ranging in ages 19 to 60 years participated in the project. The total mean STI knowledge and condom use frequency improved from pre-test (M = 1.67, M = 3.09) to post-test (M = 3.80, M = 5.33). Results of paired samples t-tests demonstrated statistically significant differences between total mean STI knowledge (t(45) = –15.48, p < 0.001) and condom use frequency (t(45) = –7.09, p < 0.001) at pre-test and post-testing. The educational bundle was effective in increasing STI knowledge and consistent condom use among adult Latinos in an outpatient clinic. Further study needs to be done to determine the long-term effect of this mode of education for this population.