Abstract:
We sought to assess stakeholder acceptability of a risk reduction behavioural model
[RRBM] designed for adolescent HIV risk reduction and whose efficacy we tested in
selected schools in Northern Malawi. We used qualitative procedures in sampling, data collection and data analysis. Our data collection instrument was the semi-structured interview
and we applied thematic content analysis to establish stakeholder evaluations of the RRBM
model. The study population included10 experts working within key organizations and
teachers from two schools. The organizations were sampled as providers, implementers
and designers of interventions while schools were sampled as providers and consumers of
interventions. Individual study participants were recruited purposively through snowball
sampling. Results showed consensus among participants on the acceptability, potential for
scale up and likelihood of model sustainability if implemented. In essence areas to consider
improving and modifying included: focus on the rural girl child and inclusion of an economic
empowerment component to target the underlying root causes of HIV risk taking behavior.
Stakeholders also recommended intervention extension to out of school adolescent groups
as well as involvement of traditional leaders. Involvement of parents and religious leaders in
intervention scale up was also highlighted. The study serves as a benchmark for stakeholder involvement in model and intervention evaluation and as a link between researchers
and project implementers, designers as well as policy makers to bridge the research to policy and practice gap.
