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)
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
About this Master's Thesis
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