Strategies for Implementing GlobalConsent to Prevent Sexual Violence in University Men (SCALE): Study Protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Global Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Young women face high risks of sexual violence globally.
• Universities are sites for sexual violence, often perpetrated by men.
• Evidence-based prevention programs targeting men are scarce in low- and middle-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of two implementation strategy packages for the GlobalConsent web-based sexual violence prevention program in Vietnam.
• To compare implementation drivers, intervention effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of different implementation intensities.
• To generate evidence for the national scale-up of an efficacious sexual violence prevention program.

Main Methods:

• Randomized trial across six medical universities in Vietnam comparing high- and lower-intensity implementation strategies.
• Mixed-methods approach including qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys with stakeholders and students.
• Data collection on implementation barriers, facilitators, behavioral outcomes, mediating variables, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• The GlobalConsent program demonstrated a reduction in men's sexually violent behavior (OR=0.71) and an increase in prosocial intervening behavior (OR=1.51) nine months post-treatment.
• The study will compare implementation outcomes and cost-effectiveness between two different implementation strategy packages.
• Qualitative and quantitative data will assess barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Conclusions:

• The GlobalConsent program shows promise in reducing sexual violence and promoting prosocial behavior among men in Vietnam.
• This study will provide crucial evidence on optimal implementation strategies for scaling up the program nationally.
• Findings aim to reduce gender-based health inequities associated with sexual violence.