Project Components

In 2010, MEE worked with Dr. Mike Carey’s [LinkedIn] research team at Syracuse University to develop messages and culturally relevant DVDs for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded STD intervention trial conducted at an STD clinic in Rochester, NY.  MEE conducted focus groups and expert interviews to produce two intervention videos (treatment and control) using characters that reflect the demographic profile of clinic patients. Both videos were designed to be authentic, informative and engaging for a low-income adult audience that is predominately, but not exclusively, African American.

The treatment video “Be the Change” focused on sexual health and addressed attitudes, behaviors and preventive measures using real-life issues surrounding relationships, sex and safer sex. Messages educated viewers about the dangers of concurrent partners, the proper use of condoms and how to negotiate condom use with a partner. The control video “Take Control of Your Health!” focused on general health and offered tips on healthy living, including diet and exercise, as well as compelling reasons to take a proactive stand to reduce negative consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle.