Promoting Healthy Sexual Education through HOPE (HIV/STI Outreach Prevention and Education) Parties: A Community Based Initiative Process Evaluation

Background: In Michigan, Genesee and Saginaw counties report high prevalence of STIs among young urban African American adults (18-24). Actively engaging young adults in STI/HIV Prevention discussions can be challenging. HOPE parties, a face-to-face STI prevention program are one way to reduce this disparity. HOPE parties were developed in 2000 by YOUR Center, a community-based organization. YOUR Center and the Saginaw County Department of Public Health implement HOPE parties in collaboration with the Prevention Research Center. We discuss (a) what a HOPE party is; and (b) some benefits and challenges. It concludes with a discussion on preliminary process evaluation data for the HOPE project and possible process improvements. Methods: Participants complete questionnaires that include variables on increased STI/HIV knowledge, comfort, party activities and the research process. To date we have collected 76 questionnaires. We continue to collect data and will present an expected analysis of 150 participants. Mean and standard deviations will be calculated for questionnaire items as well as a thematic analysis for open-ended questions. Results: Preliminary data results indicate that participants report high comfort levels discussing sexuality, STIs and HIV and an increase in sexual knowledge. We describe how process evaluation can be used to modify programs improving participant experiences. Conclusions: Data indicates that HOPE parties allow participants to discuss sexual health in (a) familiar and enjoyable environment and (b) that knowledge of healthy sexuality increased upon the attendance of a HOPE party. We suggest program modifications based upon the process evaluation data to increase participant satisfaction.