Sexually Active Adolescent Focused Education

An mHealth Education Intervention for Encouraging STI Testing Uptake

SAAFE will be pilot tested in 2 geographically distinct areas (Washington, DC and Deep South) with 100 participants from each site to 1) primarily assess the efficacy of improved self-efficacy, knowledge about HIV/STIs and perception of sexual risks by AAAs, and (2) secondarily detect intention to be tested for STIs and to change sexual risk behavior (i.e., use a condom).

A total of 200 African American adolescents (AAA) males and females will be recruited from Washington, DC (n=100) and Birmingham, Alabama (n=100). At both data collection sites, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups during the pilot. The two groups are:

1. Intervention group (n=100) - will consist of 50 AAA males / 50 AAA females randomly selected participants who will receive a download of the SAAFE game and play for at least 30 minutes and as long as an hour, if desired.
2. Control group (n=100) - will consist of 50 AAA males / 50 AAA females randomly selected participants. This group will receive dating sim game (called Choices). They will also receive pamphlets that provide information on the testing location and care if they have HIV/STI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• African American female or male
• Between 15-21 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women
• The first 6 weeks post-partum
• Adolescents younger than 15