Effects on condom use of an HIV prevention programme 36 months postintervention: a cluster randomized controlled trial among Bahamian youth

Abstract

Data are lacking on long-term effects of HIV behavioural intervention programmes. In this study, we report intervention effects 36 months postintervention on condom use and relevant outcome variables from the theory-based programme ‘Focus on Youth in the Caribbean’ (FOYC). Participants (1360 sixth-grade youth) were randomized by school into: (1) FOYC, plus one of two brief parent interventions or (2) the control condition ‘Wondrous Wetlands’, plus a brief parent intervention. Mixed effect analysis demonstrated significant programme effects, including enhanced HIV/AIDS knowledge (effect size D = 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43, 0.46), increased self-efficacy of ( D = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.54), skills for ( D = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.64) and intention to use a condom ( D = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.37). Youth who received FOYC plus the parental monitoring intervention had higher condom use rates (odds ratio = 1.49, 95% CI: 0.97, 2.28). Feedback effects from key variables were also detected, supporting the sustained effect.