Culturecology, Women, and African-Centered HIV Prevention

The Healer Women Fighting Disease Integrated Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention Program for African American women is based on a conceptual framework called “culturecology” and an African-Centered Behavioral Change Model (ACBCM). Culturecology poses that an understanding of African American culture is central to both behavior and behavioral transformation. The ACBCM model suggests that behavioral change occurs through a process of resocialization and culturalization. These processes minimize negative social conditions and maximize prosocial and life-affirming conditions. The participants were 149 women—105 in the intervention group and 44 in the comparison group. Findings show significant changes among participants from pretest to posttest in (1) increasing motivation and decreasing depression (cultural realignment), (2) increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-worth (cognitive restructuring), and (3) adopting less risky sexual practices (character development). The African-centered approach demonstrates promise as a critical component in reducing and/or eliminating health disparities in the African American community.