APHA
Back to Annual Meeting Page
 
American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
4057.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 9:24 AM

Abstract #103800

Collaborative development of process evaluation for an evidence based peer group HIV prevention intervention

Linda L. McCreary, PhD, RN1, Kathleen F. Norr, MA, PhD1, Chrissie P. N. Kaponda, PhD, RNM2, Ursula Kafulafula, MS, RNM2, and Diana N. Jere, MS, RNM2. (1) College of Nursing (M/C 802), University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 S. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612-7350, 312-355-3446, mccreary@uic.edu, (2) Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Private Bag # 1, Lilongwe, Malawi

An HIV-prevention peer group intervention based on the social learning model is being introduced for rural health workers, adults and adolescents in Malawi. Peer groups based on social learning are effective in changing HIV risk behaviors, but no evidence based process evaluation guidelines exist. Peer group interventions differ from didactic learning because they integrate factual content with participatory learning and skill building. Most Malawians are educated in authoritarian classrooms; thus, the peer group approach is novel. To implement a six-session intervention using health workers and community members as volunteer peer group co-leaders, it is essential to build peer leaders' participatory group facilitation skills as well as factual knowledge. We identified specific content and group process elements in the sessions, e.g., participant engagement and expressions of comfort-discomfort. Collaborating with trainers and peer leaders, we developed an observation guide including descriptors for each element. Several iterations of the observation guide were required to achieve ease and reliability of administration. Observers were trained to achieve inter-rater reliability using the guide. The observation guide has been implemented successfully with 29 groups. Observing the groups across the six sessions documents the peer leaders' effectiveness and increased group engagement and participation over time. Documenting peer group process is important for development of volunteers and validating intervention fidelity. Process evaluation builds the evidence base for peer group interventions by documenting the effectiveness of volunteer health workers and community members as peer leaders and the participatory process that occurs in the peer group intervention.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

Keywords: International Health, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Building Evidenced-based Practice for HIV Prevention

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA