title: Preparing for national implementation of an evidence-based, effective HIV prevention program among bahamian sixth-grade students.
abstract: Using data from the preparatory phase prior to national implementation of an effective HIV prevention program (Focus on Youth in the Caribbean; FOYC) in all Bahamian government sixth-grade classes, we describe (1) actual FOYC implementation, (2) factors that influenced implementation, and (3) the relationship of implementation with intervention outcome. Six elementary schools (with 17 grade six classrooms) were selected to participate in the preparatory phase. The 17 teachers were invited to attend a training workshop, coordinate administration of questionnaires to the students, teach the 10 sessions of FOYC and complete self-assessment checklists. A total of 395 students submitted baseline and 311 students submitted year-end questionnaires. Thirteen teachers initiated FOYC; five completed all 10 sessions. Implementation of FOYC was not related to teacher FOYC workshop experience but did cluster by school. There were significant positive correlations between improved student knowledge of HIV/AIDS, protective health skills, perceived parental monitoring and reduced risk behaviours with the number of FOYC sessions delivered. Implementation was impeded by logistics issues, structural issues with the measures, and comfort-level issues, most of which can be addressed for national implementation. Degree of FOYC implementation is correlated with positive student outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Office of HIV/AIDS, Bahamian Ministry of Health, Nassau, The Bahamas.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Knowles
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Lynette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Deveaux
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lunn
authors.forename: Glenda
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rolle
authors.forename: Giavana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kaljee
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Koci
authors.forename: Xinguang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Bonita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stanton
mesh_terms: D001444:Bahamas; D002648:Child; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013334:Students