A Student's Perspective on Implementing an Evidence-Based Program for HIV Prevention

Background: The presenter was assigned as a Graduate Assistant to the Master in Public Administration in 2015 to assist with a DOJ crime reduction grant project, tracking 10 years crime statistics and implementing a household survey in the highest crime area in the city. As that project transitioned to the Criminal Justice Department at ASU, she assisted with the writing of a grant to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency (SAMHSA) to reduce the high rates of STDs and HIV in Southwest Georgia. As a student learner, she was a full participating member of the team of staff and volunteers- collecting and preparing data, giving presentations and organizing student events. She lends a unique perspective to the team as an International Student. 

Program background: Project STOP (Students Taking on Prevention) was awarded a $750,000 three year award from SAMHSA to organize and mobilize the communities in Dougherty and Terrell counties in Southwest Georgia. The project was developed to "Influence the Influencers" of 18-24 year old high risk young adults.  Project STOP partnered with community orgnaizations in the two counties to conduct a Needs Assessment, develop a strategic plan, and implement the project. The project is now at the midway point and has completed both baseline and year two surveys for comparison. Project STOP has trained community champions to deliver CDC Evidence-Based programs specifically chosen to reduce the transmission of HIV through education, use of condoms, negotiation skills and correct use of a condom. The project has distributed more than 25,000 condoms in locations such as: barbershops, nail salons, a liquor store, Techical School GED program, etc.  The project has also partnered with a commuity health center network and a public health department to incease the availability of HIV testing.

Evaluation Methods and Results: An Attitudes and Risk Behavior survey completed on campus and in the two communities provided the information to guide development of the project.  A repeat of the survey was just completed and is currently being entered into SPSS. The two surveys will then be analyzed and compared.  A demographic survey provided information on the specifics of the target population and the intercept social/marketing surveys have provided the information to penetrate and reach further into the population, evaluate knowledge and beliefs, measure motivation to change, self-efficacy to change behavior, and the intention to use condoms.  The questionnaire asked a series of questions about exposure, receipt of materials (eg condoms) and recall of the message.

Conclusions: Measuring the levels of the target population through the questionnaire provides the project team with adaptations that need to be made in the project organization and delivery, while maintaining fidelity of the EBP.

Implications for research and/or practice: Use of such a questionnaire for ongoing assessment of a program can help evaluate the progress of the project in achieving its goals and objectives. Additionally, ongoing assessment can help to guide adjustments that need to be made in the program in order to achieve the goals and objectives.