Preventing HIV/Aids? A Realistic Evaluation of the CHAMP Prevention Programme

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the CHAMP Prevention Programme; to assess whether and why it is effective in reducing risk-taking sexual behaviour. This study also assessed whether this behaviour is explained by individuals’ social identity. Realistic Evaluation theory was used to identify the causal pathways that generate risk-taking sexual behaviour and to identify the manner in which the CHAMP Prevention Programme prevents risk-taking sexual behaviour from occurring. Identity-based motivation theory was adopted, which predicts that behaviour can be explained by social identity. Methods: This study employed a pre-test post-test control group design among 668 rural black South African learners (15.69 years, age range: 12 - 25 years) to assess the effectiveness of the CHAMP Prevention Programme in reducing risk-taking sexual behaviour. The main analysis used repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance with safe sex behaviour and risk-taking sexual behaviour as within-subjects measures (i.e. dependent variables), intervention group/control group, and social identity as between subjects factors (i.e. independent variables), and mechanisms as covariates. Results: The analysis of change in safe sex behaviour and risk-taking sexual behaviour between the intervention group and the control group showed that the CHAMP Prevention Programme increases safe sex behaviour among learners in the programme. The programme, however, did not change risk-taking sexual behavior among these learners. Furthermore, the analysis which included the change in learners’ choices and capacities that generate risk-taking sexual behaviour as covariates, showed several significant changes in safe sex behaviour and risk-taking sexual behaviour. Finally, the analysis of risk-taking behaviour among social identities showed no significant difference on risk-taking or risk aversive behaviour, but indicated a significant difference in learners’ ability to change sexual behaviour.