Translating an Evidence-based HIV prevention intervention from a group-based format to an interactive digital format: Prospects, pitfalls, and potential solutions

ISSUES: Group-delivered sexual risk-reductions interventions for African-American adolescent females decrease STIs and increase condom use. While efficacious, group interventions require significant financial and personnel resources to implement and may not be feasible in resource-limited public health clinics. In contrast, computer-delivered interventions offer a more cost-effective, easily disseminated format.

DESCRIPTION: The aims of this study were to: (a) adapt an evidence-based sexual risk-reduction group intervention to a computer-delivered format; and (b) evaluate the intervention's implementation and uptake in public health clinics. In this presentation, we describe the translation and implementation procedures and related challenges, and offer recommendations for practitioners and researchers. Specifically, the following procedures will be discussed: 1) translation of the intervention to an individually-administered digital, computer-delivered format including adaptation of intervention content and incorporation of digital media; 2) use of elicitation interviews with public health clinic staff and administrators to facilitate intervention translation; 3) assessment of factors to promote clinic uptake and evaluate intervention feasibility; 4) conducting a pilot; 5) assessment of intervention uptake by African American female adolescents attending the clinics; and 6) evaluation of the feasibility of the intervention.

LESSONS LEARNED: We describe the processes and challenges associated with implementing HIV prevention interventions using digital technologies, identify effective strategies for overcoming challenges; and provide recommendations for researchers and practitioners who are planning to implement similar technology-based interventions.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This study offers a systematic approach for the translation, implementation, and evaluation of feasibility of a digital sexual risk-reduction intervention for use in public health clinics.