National Study to Sustain and Improve an HIV Prevention Program in Schools Using Advanced Strategies and Machine Learning

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a five-year study to evaluate and improve ways to sustain a nationwide HIV prevention program called Focus on Youth in Caribbean plus Caribbean Informed Parents and Children Together FOYCCImPACT in schools. This study uses an adaptive trial design with advanced machine learning to refine strategies and identify the best approaches for teachers and students who may struggle to fully implement or respond to the program. The main goal is to measure how well the program is maintained over time across multiple school settings. The study involves 156 grade 6 teachers in 65 government primary schools delivering FOYCCImPACT over four years, with additional annual booster sessions for students in grades 7 to 9 led by 49 Health and Family Life Education teachers in 30 junior high schools. Teachers who do not meet a benchmark of implementing over 80% of core activities are randomized to receive additional support strategies such as biweekly monitoring and feedback, site-based assistance mentorship, or enhanced mentorship, with adjustments made at multiple stages based on their performance. Participants include teachers and approximately 3,500 students who complete surveys at the start and end of grade 6 and at the end of grades 7, 8, and 9. Researchers collect data from teachers, students, and focus groups to understand factors affecting program implementation, sustainability, and effectiveness. Key outcomes include fidelity of implementation, sustainability, condom use skills, self-efficacy, and other youth behaviors, monitored annually throughout the study period. The study also evaluates inner and outer school contexts and climate to support ongoing program success.

Sustainability and Precision Prevention Project