BIRCWH Associate Dr. Natasha Crooks Presents IMAGE Pilot Findings at SAHM 2025
Introduction
Dr. Natasha Crooks recently presented a poster at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) 2025 Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. Her presentation highlighted findings from the pilot study IMAGE: An Acceptability and Feasibility Pilot of IMARA for Black Male Caregivers and Girls Empowerment, a family-based HIV prevention intervention focused on strengthening communication and promoting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among Black girls and their male caregivers.
This community-engaged study adapted the evidence-based IMARA intervention to center Black male caregivers, an often-overlooked group in SRH programming. Conducted in partnership with a community-based organization in Chicago, the pilot focused on evaluating feasibility, acceptability, and the potential for strengthening caregiver-teen bonds through culturally tailored, intergenerational health education.
Findings from the study were promising. The pilot achieved 100% one-month retention, strong participation rates, and reported improvements in communication around SRH topics, as well as HIV/STI knowledge. Participant feedback emphasized the importance of culturally relevant, family-based programming and highlighted how valuable it was to have a space that empowered both youth and caregivers to have honest conversations about sexual health.
Dr. Crooks’ work reflects a growing need for inclusive and community-driven approaches to adolescent HIV prevention.
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