Successes and challenges of implementing and evaluating an evidence-based individual-level intervention with MSM in a community-based setting

Issue: HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) continues to rise. Many community-based organizations (CBOs) receive funding to implement a range of pre-packaged, evidence-based interventions targeting MSM as part of the effort to reduce the number of new infections. However, few CBOs evaluate these interventions and their impact on specific populations in real world settings.

Description: We received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement RESPECT, an evidence-based, 2 session, individual level counseling intervention, with MSM. RESPECT was not designed for or previously tested with MSM, so we partnered with CDC to conduct a community-based evaluation.

This evaluation involves two components: 1) process evaluation, the data from which is being analyzed, and 2) outcome evaluation, currently underway to assess clients' risk behavior at baseline and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Lessons learned: Incorporating RESPECT into an HIV prevention program targeting MSM is feasible, and MSM respond well to this intervention. Applying RESPECT in community-based settings was successful despite several challenges, including intervention uptake and client retention. Building the evaluation into the program with minimal disruption to program flow was also challenging. Constant communication between program and evaluation teams was essential.

Recommendations: CBOs serving MSM should consider incorporating RESPECT into their HIV prevention program. To be successful and effective, organizations must preserve client-centered elements of their program that enhance client engagement, and routinely monitor intervention fidelity. Program and evaluation teams should collaborate to evaluate evidence-based interventions targeting MSM as implemented in the community.