Overview of cdc's adoption and demonstration of adaptation prevention techniques (ADAPT-2) project: Lessons learned adapting HIV prevention interventions for high-risk adolescent and adult women

Issues: Evidence-based behavioral interventions (EBIs) are delivered by community-based organizations and other prevention providers to reduce risk behaviors associated with the acquisition or transmission of HIV. EBIs are commonly adapted in real-world settings for the purpose of addressing the unique prevention needs of populations that differ from the original intervention efficacy study. However, there is little empirical evidence that adapted EBIs remain efficacious.

Description: The CDC's Adoption and Demonstration of Adaptation Prevention Techniques (ADAPT-2) project funded research sites from 2007 to 2012 to adapt existing EBIs, and test the efficacy of adapted EBIs delivered in a new setting and/or -to a new population at high risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV. The projects included adapting the following EBIs and new target populations: Horizons for detained African American female adolescents (Project IMARA), Women's CoOp for African American female adolescents at risk of dropping out of school (Young Women's CoOp), and Project S.A.F.E. for incarcerated women (Project P.O.W.E.R.).

Lessons Learned: Each of the sites encountered challenges adapting EBIs even though a systematic adaptation process was implemented. Highlighted challenges include: developing appropriate intervention content while maintaining the core elements of the original EBI, engaging the target population in the adaptation process, and selecting an EBI that addresses the myriad of individual, interpersonal, and structural factors impacting the risk behaviors of the target population.

Recommendations: The ADAPT-2 Project enabled researchers to adapt EBIs for high-risk populations. Lessons learned can be used to instruct HIV prevention providers to adapt EBIs for the populations they serve.