Health administrator perspectives on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevention and services at historically black colleges and universities

Abstract

Objective: Due to the disproportionate impact of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among African American young adults, the authors explored (1) number of historically black college and university (HBCU) campuses with existing HIV prevention policies and services and (2) perceived barriers for implementing HIV prevention services.

Methods: Semistructured telephone surveys were conducted with health administrators from 25 HBCUs.

Results: Twenty-four of 25 (96%) health administrators responded. Twelve of 24 administrators (50%) reported having no formal HIV prevention policies or services on campus, 11 of 24 (46%) described having formal HIV prevention policies and services (eg, condom distribution, HIV testing), and 1 was unsure. Seven of 11 (64%) administrators who reported having policies or services indicated that the availability of condoms on campus facilitated HIV/AIDS prevention by promoting safer sex. Perceived barriers to more effectively providing services included negative student attitudes regarding HIV and lack of support from school administration and parents.

Conclusion: There are inadequate HIV/AIDS prevention services on some HBCU campuses.