Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115424

Matt G. Mutchler, PhD¹, Leo Colemon, MA², George Ayala², Pato Hebert², and Emily Elman, MPH³. (1) Education, AIDS Project Los Angeles, 3550 Wilshire, #300, Los Angeles, CA 90010, 213.201.1522, mmutchler@apla.org, (2) Education, AIDS Project Los Angeles: The David Geffen Center, 611 S. Kingsley Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90005, (3) Research and Evaluation Core, AIDS Project Los Angeles, The David Geffen Center, 611 S. Kingsley Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90005

Issue: This session provides a case study of the implementation of a community-based, participatory evaluation (CBPE) model. Description: The research and evaluation core (REC) collaborated with a commercial sex venue (CSV)-initiative, implemented in 9 commercial sex venues within Los Angeles County to reduce sexual risk behaviors among male patrons. Employing the Popular Opinion Leader (POL) model, CSV patrons were certified as peer health educators (Sexperts). The model also included a coalition of government officials, other providers, CSV owners, and CSV patrons engaged in ongoing discussions regarding program activities. REC utilized our CBPE model that includes the following components: equal participation in discussions about evaluation activities; program evaluation training and capacity building; mechanisms for data utilization; and a culture of reflexivity. Lessons Learned: The process of collaboration resulted in a sophisticated sampling design and recruitment methods sensitive to the needs of CSV owners, scientifically designed survey items culturally tailored to patrons' lives, data used by program staff to improve services, and increased trust of program evaluation among CSV owners. Challenges included defining professional roles, communication between program and evaluation staff, balancing scientific rigor and front-line realities, and advocating for effective activities in the context of competing governmental and commercial interests. Specific examples will be presented to illustrate the principles of our CBPE model. Recommendations: Truly collaborative CBPE can retain scientific principles, incorporate the needs of various stakeholders, build capacity among all parties, produce useful data, and generate respect for evaluation activities.

Learning Objectives: As a result of participation in this session, participants will learn

• The principles of a community-based participatory evaluation (CBPE) model
• Benefits, challenges, and lessons of evaluating an HIV prevention program in commercial sex venues using CBPE

Keywords: Community Research, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.