Adaptation of an effective school-based sexual health promotion program for youth in Colombia
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Morales, Alexandra | 2019-01-05
Rationale: Given the disproportionate impact of HIV and STIs among youth in Latin America, there is a compelling need for effective sex education programs. In particular, Colombia lacks a nationally standardized youth
sex education program, despite the fact that 15 to 24-year-olds accounted for the highest incidence and prevalence rates of HIV and STIs in the nation. In an attempt to fill this void, our team adapted COMPAS, a Spanish
school-based sexual health promotion intervention, for Colombian adolescents. Objective: This study describes
the adaptation process that resulted in a modified version of COMPAS for youth in Colombia. Method: We
employed a systematic cultural adaptation process utilizing a mixed methods approach, including intervention
adaptation sessions with 100 young adolescents aged 15–19. The process included six steps: 1) consulting international researchers and community stakeholders; 2) capturing the lived experiences of a diverse sample of
colombian youth; 3) identifying priorities and areas in need of improvement; 4) integrating the social cognitive
theory, information-motivation-behavioral skills model, and an ecological framework for colombian youth; 5)
adapting intervention content, activities, and materials; and 6) quantitative evaluation of COMPAS by
Colombian youth. Results: The adapted intervention incorporates elements common to effective youth sex
education interventions, including: a solid theoretical foundation, sexual communication skills and social support for protection, and guidance on how to utilize available cultural- and linguistic-appropriate services. In
addition, the adapted intervention incorporates cultural and linguistic appropriate content, including an emphasis on tackling machismo to promote risk reduction behaviors. Conclusions: The systematic adaptation approach to sexual health intervention for youth can be employed by researchers and community stakeholders in
low-resource settings for the promotion of health wellness, linkage to care, and STI and unplanned pregnancy
prevention for youth.
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