AEGiS-14IAC: Development amd evaluation of an HIV school prevention program based on Intervention mapping methodology.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Development amd evaluation of an HIV school prevention program based on Intervention mapping methodology.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. D11123)

Diez E, Juarez O, Fernandez S, Riera C, Villamarin F
Public Health Municipal Institute, Barcelona, Spain

BACKGROUND: Development of programs and evaluation may be improved through the application of the systematic process called Intervention Mapping (IM). General planning and psychosocial theories are included in this method.

METHODS: Five planning steps compose this framework: 1) needs assessment, 2) health objectives, 3) design and implementation of the intervention, 4) evaluation and reassessment of the proposal. Psychosocial and environment determinant analysis are crucial in this methodology.

RESULTS: Results of the FRESC survey 1996 (student's behaviours & determinants ), a bibliographic search, and interviews to target population and mediators provided a comprehensive assessment of this health problem and its causes. Behavioural and environmental determinants were: information, susceptibility, subjective social norm, skills, self-efficacy, community resources access and condoms access. Built on these determinants, intervention was based on classroom activities and the introduction of complementary environmental measures. It consists of four dynamic activities (two teacher delivered and two peer delivered), a visit to the district family planning centre, and direct access to condoms through mobile point educators or teachers. Free training is offered to participant mediators, school meetings to generate a school and mediators commitment, support to the program application and free condoms. Effectiveness is assessed through a community intervention trial (pre and post measures, intervention and control groups), qualitative measures (focus groups) and process evaluation (assessment of mediators and students). Measures include modification of main determinants.

CONCLUSIONS: IM is a feasible tool to develop interventions. Although it seems a time consuming method, it allows to concentrate only on crucial and modifiable determinants, and evaluate their changes. It makes easier interventions design through systematic steps.

Keywords: AEGIS, Schools, Evaluation Studies, HIV Infections, Condoms, Human Development, Health Education, HIV Seropositivity, Program Evaluation, Health Planning, Needs Assessment, Teaching, United States, methods, education, nursing, therapy

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