Review of RARE: Introduction and objectives for utilization of Rapid Assessment, Response, and Evaluation Methodology


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

3095.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 11:00 AM

Abstract #115865

Review of RARE: Introduction and objectives for utilization of Rapid Assessment, Response, and Evaluation Methodology

Rena G. Boss-Victoria, DrPH, MSN, RN, CNS, Public Health Program, Center for HIV Prevention Evaluation, Policy and Research, Morgan State University, 1700 E Cold Spring Lane, Jenkins Bldg, Room 343, Baltimore, MD 21251, 443-885-4042, drbossvictoria@aol.com

Funded by the DHHS' Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), a city health department utilized a state designated urban, practice-based HBCU public health program to provide technical assistance in identified “hot spot” communities for HIV/AIDS, utilizing RARE methodology. RARE uses qualitative multi-source, multi-discipline data collection methods to achieve objectives within a limited time frame. The outcome objective: identify needs, recommend potential strategies to enhance prevention, and maximize community health services and support networks for the city's African American youths 18-24 years old. The salient components of the RARE methodology, its utilization, and limitations for application are presented. As a tool for describing and monitoring the dynamics of this community-based HIV/AIDS epidemic, R.A.R.E provided an information base about a vulnerable population and strategies for developing interventions. We utilized five techniques during our fast, data collection process: 1)Behavioral and environmental mapping to determine risk by neighborhoods 2)Ethnographic observations of sites to identify hot-spots within a small area 3)Street intercept of neighborhood residents to assess conditions of HIV/AIDS 4) In-depth interviews from youth and neighborhood informants 5)Focus group sessions among youths, RARE community advisory board (RARE-CAB) and cultural or community experts/leaders. Sustained planning,open discussion for changes, and field practice sessions were keys to successful methodology implementation within the collaborative partnership among policy makers, community residents and the academic community.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to

1)Describe how the RARE methodology is utilized as an invaluable public health tool in low income, high-risk community needs assessment
2)Identify the strengths and limitations of the RARE methodology

Keywords: Behavioral Research, Community Health Assessment

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.

Recorded presentation

Preventing, Tracking and Serving STDS, HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis C

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA