We conducted a qualitative study of the needs, experiences, resources, and preferences pertaining to technical assistance (TA) for evaluation of HIV prevention programs. Primary consumers of HIV prevention program evaluation TA are community-based organizations (CBOs) whose HIV prevention programs were federally funded directly or through cooperative agreements with health departments (HDs). Site selection was based on population size, AIDS case rates, evaluation experience, and geography. The 1-2 hour interviews were conducted on site with staff from 61 CBOs. Additional interviews were conducted with 28 TA providers and 9 HD staff. Data were analyzed using QSR NUD*IST. Results were grouped into these categories: relationships between CBOs and their funding agencies (e.g., perceptions of funding agency expectations and responsiveness affected CBOs perceptions of the importance, feasibility, and usefulness of evaluation ); aggregate factors that help or hinder evaluation (e.g., CBO staff perceptions about the value of evaluation); TA delivery (e.g., descriptions of ideal TA providers and systems); and evaluation capacity. Recommendations for supporting the evaluation activity of CBOs were grouped into these categories: supporting factors and conditions (e.g., fund prevention programs for several years); TA content (e.g., consistently use simple evaluation terms); and TA format or system (e.g., ensure the cultural competence of TA providers). Lessons learned and implications for assessing and developing evaluation capacity for CBOs and HDs will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives: During the session, presenters will describe the methods and results of a qualitative study of the program evaluation technical assistance needs, experiences, resources, and preferences of HIV prevention programs. At the conclusion of the session, the participants will able to apply the study results and recommendations to develop or improve other evaluation technical assistance activities
Keywords: Evaluation, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.