Implementation fidelity for promoting the effectiveness of an adolescent sexual health program.
The goal of the present study was to examine COMPAS program (Competencies for adolescents with a healthy sexuality) outcomes based on implementation fidelity: dose, adherence, and acceptance. Participants were 716 adolescents aged 14-16 years (46.5% boys). Two fidelity groups were established: high (n=83) and low (n=312), with the remaining sample serving as a non-program control group (n=321). Knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), attitudes towards HIV, intention to use condoms, and sexual behavior were evaluated. Results indicated that adolescents receiving the intervention displayed improved STI knowledge (p<0.001) and improved attitudes toward HIV (p<0.05) as compared to the control group. Between the two intervention groups, a high-fidelity group intended to engage more in safe sex behaviors (p=0.05) and displayed greater STI knowledge (p=0.05) as compared to the low-fidelity group. The present study revealed improved efficiency when applying prevention programs with implementation fidelity.
Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, 03202, Elche (Alicante), Spain. Electronic address: silviaescribanocubas@gmail.com.
Silvia
S
Escribano
Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, 03202, Elche (Alicante), Spain.
José P
JP
Espada
Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, 03202, Elche (Alicante), Spain.
Mireia
M
Orgilés
Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, 03202, Elche (Alicante), Spain.
Alexandra
A
Morales
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D000074384:Sexual Health / Q000193:education*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
Efficacy; HIV/AIDS prevention program; Implementation fidelity; Program evaluation; Sex education