Developing a Theoretical Framework for a Complex Maternal-Child Health Intervention: Health Beginning Initiative

Area of Science:

• Health Promotion
• Public Health Interventions
• Theoretical Frameworks

Background:

• Complex health promotion interventions require a guiding theoretical framework for effective implementation and evaluation.
• A theoretical framework acts as a roadmap, aiding in hypothesis testing and guiding analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the development and application of a theoretical framework for the Healthy Beginning Initiative (HBI).
• To guide the implementation of HBI, promoting uptake of HIV services in a low-income country.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a seven-step guide for developing a theoretical framework.
• Included identifying intervention elements, variables, context, mechanisms, outcomes, existing models, and validation.
• Scripted the framework into figures or statements and conducted content and face validation.

Main Results:

• A theoretical framework was successfully developed and implemented for the HBI.
• The framework guided the evaluation of HBI's impact on HIV testing, linkage to care, and retention in care for pregnant women, partners, and newborns.

Conclusions:

• The developed theoretical framework effectively guided the implementation and evaluation of the HBI.
• The framework is adaptable for other screenings and settings, maintaining HBI's core elements.