Bringing HIV Prevention Programs to College-Age Minority Students: The Minority-Serving Institutions' HIV Prevention Sustainability Demonstration

Background:  In 2009, seventy-five percent of HIV diagnoses were among young people ages 20-24 years. African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for 44% of new infections.  These statistics underline the importance of enhancing collaboration among HIV related federal programs to develop effective risk reduction programs for minority youth.

Program background:  Seven Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) were funded through the Minority AIDS Initiative Fund administered through the Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy in the US Department of Health and Human Services. MSIs funded to conduct a comprehensive HIV prevention program included: four Historically Black Colleges or Universities, one Hispanic Serving Institution and two Tribal Colleges or Universities. In response to each institution’s HIV prevention needs, MSIs identified social marketing strategies to increase retention and participation of students in evidence-based interventions, testing campaigns, and HIV educational sessions.

Evaluation Methods and Results:  In their first year, MSIs implemented recruitment and training of Peer Educators; educational presentations for student organizations and freshman classes; tabling events; and on-campus HIV testing. MSIs also developed marketing materials (e.g. program logo, flyers, etc.) and utilized creative social media messaging (e.g. Facebook) to engage students in program services. MSIs developed and implemented a variety of innovative and culturally-appropriate HIV prevention activities and strategies for their student population including partnerships with student organizations. This initiative demonstrates that MSIs are a valuable link to at-risk communities, and serve as a direct platform to communicate health behavior knowledge and skills to prevent HIV infection among young people.  The results of the program included on campus HIV testing with 2,421 students.  

Conclusions:  Minority serving institutions offer a unique opportunity to reach young college age minority students. These institutions are eager to participate in HIV prevention activities and offer the opportunity to reach a critical group of students with prevention programs. 

Implications for research and/or practice: In order to be successful, programs must be culturally appropriate in order to address the complex HIV prevention needs of a highly diverse student minority population. Approaches to HIV prevention activities must be flexible to allow schools the ability to define and guide the most appropriate prevention modalities.