Dissemination and uptake of HIV/STD preventive interventions in American Indian and Alaska Native communities: a case study.

HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are serious health conditions among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations, especially youth. However, few sexual risk reduction evidence-based interventions (EBIs) have been implemented by AIAN-serving organizations. This project sought to identify and assess the parameters facilitating the uptake and use of EBIs in order to strengthen opportunities for sustainability and improved sexual health among AIANs.

Planning for a group-randomized trial with American Indian youth.

Purpose: To describe lessons learned working with tribal communities in the Northern Plains to plan and implement a group randomized trial of multimedia Circle of Life (mCOL), a sexual risk reduction program designed for American Indian (AI) youth.

Methods: Project records including emails, travel reports, and meeting minutes were reviewed and synthesized to describe participatory development of the project.

Results: Several challenges were identified including: discussing sexual health interventions for preteens with communities; developing a culturally appropriate research design; managing costs of conducting research in remote and culturally distinct tribal communities; and building research infrastructure of partner organizations.