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Published on: October 31, 2010
Committed to the community: the Atlas HIV Prevention Program.
Jennifer L Shepherd1, Frank O'Caña
11OMNI Institute, Denver, CO, USA.
Health Promotion Practice
|November 28, 2012
Summary
Community organizations can improve HIV prevention programs by using service-learning and engaging dedicated volunteers. This approach enhances program sustainability and volunteer effectiveness in HIV prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Health
- HIV Prevention
Background:
- Community-based organizations (CBOs) struggle with resource limitations when implementing evidence-based, sustainable preventive interventions.
- Developing and maintaining effective HIV prevention programs requires innovative strategies to overcome staffing and resource challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and preliminary evaluation of the Atlas HIV prevention program.
- To assess the effectiveness of a unique service-learning component and volunteer engagement model for HIV prevention.
Main Methods:
- The Atlas program was developed using theory-based principles, incorporating service-learning and popular opinion leader approaches.
- Preliminary evaluation focused on volunteer retention, knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention, sexual efficacy, and HIV testing rates.
Main Results:
- Nearly 40% of Atlas volunteers were retained for over 2 years, with 25% serving more than 3 years.
- Volunteers showed improved knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention, increased sexual efficacy, and high rates of HIV testing.
Conclusions:
- Service-learning and dedicated volunteers can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of community-based HIV prevention programs.
- CBOs are encouraged to integrate service-learning and volunteer development into their prevention strategies to improve outcomes.
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