Adapting a Sexual Violence Primary Prevention Program to Ghana Utilizing the ADAPT-ITT Framework

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Global Health
• Violence Prevention

Background:

• Sexual violence prevention is a priority in Ghana, yet initiatives are limited.
• Evidence-based programs from high-income countries require adaptation for diverse settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically adapt a US-developed sexual violence prevention program for a Ghanaian university setting.
• To evaluate the feasibility and promise of the adapted program using the ADAPT-ITT framework.

Main Methods:

• The ADAPT-ITT (Assessment, Decisions, Administration, Production, Topical experts, Integration, Training staff, and Testing) framework guided program adaptation.
• Methods included cognitive interviews, focus groups, beta testing, and topical expert review.

Main Results:

• The adapted sexual violence prevention program is indicated as promising for Ghanaian universities.
• This represents the first known application of the ADAPT-ITT framework to a sexual violence prevention program.

Conclusions:

• Systematic adaptation using the ADAPT-ITT framework is a viable approach for implementing evidence-based sexual violence prevention programs in Ghana.
• The adapted program holds potential for reducing sexual violence among young people in Ghanaian higher education institutions.