Development and implementation of a sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV education curriculum for at-risk young people and adults in rural communities in Haiti: A Special Studies Project Open Access

Josma, Dorie (Spring 2019)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/2n49t267z?locale=en
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Abstract

Background: In Haiti, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV education and services are less accessible in rural areas than in urban areas.  Often, local clinics and grassroots organizations that play a significant role in supplying healthcare services to rural communities lack the resources to provide STIs and HIV-centered education and services. A plethora of research data has revealed an increase in prevalence and incidence rates of STIs and HIV infections among people living in rural communities. Additional research has also recommended increasing STIs and HIV education to improve people’s knowledge of sexual health and prevention methods against STIs and HIV.   

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to develop a culturally appropriate STIs and HIV education curriculum that can be implemented in health and local community organizations in rural areas in Haiti. The five-module STIs and HIV education curriculum was designed to provide health educators with a tool that they can use to increase STIs and HIV knowledge among people living in rural communities.

Methods: The STIs and HIV education curriculum was developed with inputs from clinic staff from NOVA Hope for Haiti, Inc (NOVA) and community members in Cavaillon, Haiti. The project team utilized qualitative research, the Health Belief Model (HBM), and Community Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) to enhance curriculum development and implementation. The STIs and HIV education curriculum, consisting of five modules, was implemented at a community health organization (NOVA) and was evaluated using pre-and-post-tests and a course evaluation survey. 

Results: An average of 25 community members between the ages of 18-35 years old participated in the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education project. The SRH project lasted two hours for five days, followed by an optional four-hour Training-of-Trainers session on a separate day. Pre-and-post-test evaluations showed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge among participants. The curriculum was revised, and a final curriculum was created based on inputs from the participants, clinic staff, and classroom observations. 

Discussion: The STIs and HIV education curriculum provides a tool that can be used to educate community members in rural parts of Haiti about STIs and HIV. It can also serve as a foundation to develop a more comprehensive sexual health education curriculum. Additionally, educational interventions are not enough to change health behaviors. Implementation of behavioral-change interventions may be necessary to improve adoption of healthy sexual health practices.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Problem Statement

Purpose Statement

Introduction

The Burden of STIs and HIV in Haiti

STIs and HIV Education Curriculum Development

STIs and HIV Education Curriculum Implementation

Definition of Terms and Abbreviations

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

Pearl of the Antilles

Geography

Structure

Culture

Demographics of Haiti

Government

History of Haiti

Poverty in Haiti

Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Haiti

STIs and HIV Education Efforts in Rural Communities

Efforts outside of Haiti

Efforts in Haiti

Knowledge Gaps in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV in Haiti

Existing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Education/Services in Haiti

Program Development Theory

Challenges in Implementing Health Education Projects

CHAPTER 3: METHODS

Community Needs Assessment

Study design

Project Team

Sampling and Recruiting

Participants Description

Data Collection

Data Coding and Analysis

Ethical consideration

Curriculum Development

Curriculum Implementation: Adult SRH Education

Training-of-Trainers (T-o-T)

Evaluations

Pre-and-Post-Test

Pre- and-Post-Test Analysis

Course Evaluation

Course Evaluation Analysis

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS

Project Details

Adult SRH Education Project

Attendance and Completion

Training-of-Trainers

Attendance and Completion

Youth SRH Education Camp

Attendance and Completion

Community Needs Assessment Results

Key Informants Description

Qualitative Data Analysis

Common STIs among Community Members

Testing for STIs

Current SRH/STIs Education from the Clinic

Lack of SRH/STIs Education

STIs and HIV Education Curriculum

Evaluations

Final STIs and HIV Education Curriculum

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION

Introduction

Community Needs Assessment

Limitations and Strengths

Limitations

Strengths

Recommendations

Conclusion

REFERENCE

APPENDIX A:

Interview Guide for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Education for Community Members in Cavaillon, Haiti.

APPENDIX B:

Qualitative Data Analysis Codebook

APPENDIX C:

Course Evaluation

APPENDIX D:

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Education Curriculum for at-risk Young People and Adults in Rural Communities in Haiti

CURRICULUM REFERENCE

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