Technology – CHIPTS – Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services

24Jan

Electronic HIV Prevention in Los Angeles

Electronic, Technology, HIV Messaging

This pilot study conducted and analyzed responses from eight focus groups (6-8 people each) with staff and clients from community-based organizations (CBOs) which provide HIV prevention services to women.

The specific aims of this project are:

To gather initial information on which electronic communication channels (e.g., the Internet, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or cell phones, or some combination) minority women would prefer to receive electronic HIV (e-HIV) prevention messaging.
To develop and solicit responses to sample brief e-HIV prevention messaging.

24Jan

Angola – Acceptability of Handheld Computers to Collect Self-reported Sexual Behavior Data in Angola

Acceptability of Handheld Computers to Collect Self-reported Sexual Behavior Data in Angola

This study evaluates the cultural acceptability and cost-effectiveness of using handheld computers to collect sexual behavior data, in order to reduce disparities in access to HIV/AIDS prevention and care services in Angola, a country severely impacted by HIV/AIDS. Specifically, this study aimed 1) to assess how comfortable Angolans feel in disclosing sexual behavior in handheld computer surveys compared to paper surveys, and 2) to assess how comfortable Angolan interviewers feel in administering handheld computer surveys vs. paper surveys.

Targeted Risk Group:

Sexually active adults, 18-45

Intervention model:

Randomized Control Trial

Research Methods:

We conducted an experiment in three neighborhoods of Luanda, Angola to assess the impact of the technology on people’s comfort and willingness to disclose sensitive personal information, such as sexual behavior. Participants were asked about their HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices by local interviewers using either handheld computers or paper surveys. T-tests showed no differences between participants’ self-reported comfort across handheld and paper conditions. However, participants in the handheld condition were more likely to give socially desirable responses to the sexual behavior questions than participants in the paper condition.

International Significance:

Handheld computers have potential to improve HIV/AIDS programs in healthcare settings in low-income countries, by improving the speed and accuracy of collecting data. However, the acceptability of the technology (i.e., user attitude and reaction) is critical for its successful implementation. Acceptability is particularly critical for HIV/AIDS behavioral data, as it depends on respondents giving accurate information about a highly sensitive topic – sexual behavior. These results suggest that using handheld computers in data collection in Angola may lead to biased reports of HIV/AIDS-related risk behaviors.

23Jan

HIV Technology Transfer in Los Angeles

The aims of the HIV Technology Transfer in Los Angeles project are to document and develop resources for technology transfer among HIV/AIDS community-based organizations (CBOs) serving Los Angeles communities. Several CBOs have publicly commented on the gap between current mandates to implement and evaluate evidence-based HIV interventions and the resources that are available to meet these requirements. A long-term objective is to share CBOs insights into using science-based interventions and to increase the training, materials and other resources they need to carry out HIV prevention. CHIPTS and the City of Los Angeles AIDS Coordinator (ACO) seek to assist CBOs in meeting these objectives. The potential impact of the study is enhanced implementation of evidence-based interventions in Los Angeles and throughout California.

The process of adapting evidence-based interventions into CBO settings is known as technology transfer. The Technology Transfer Model (TTM) outlines three primary phases of this process: pre-implementation, implementation, maintenance and evolution. The pre-implementation phase consists of identifying the need for an intervention, acquiring information, assessing the fit between an intervention and the goals and activities of the organization, and preparing the organizational staff. Implementation includes obtaining technical assistance and conducting process evaluation of the interventions. Finally, maintenance and evolution includes ensuring the presence of staff that can continue to implement the intervention, organizational change, and program evolution.

CBO staff who have been involved in the three phases of technology transfer can offer rich insights on best practices and lessons learned in their communities. Up to 18 science-based programs have been or are being implemented in Los Angeles. Up to two staff from each of these programs are eligible to participate (N = 36). Eligible participants for this study completed close-ended background surveys regarding their organization’s characteristics and were interviewed for up to 90 minutes. Participants were paid $30 for each interview completed. Interviews were conducted twice with staff from these programs. The first wave of interviews asked about pre-implementation and implementation phases of technology transfer. The second wave of interviews, scheduled when many of the programs finished at least one cycle of implementation, asked about maintenance and evolution. Surveys were summarized and used to describe the general organizational characteristics of CBOs using evidence-based programs. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed for techniques, challenges, strategies, and resources used or needed by the CBOs.

Interventions, Training Manuals, etc. :

HIV Technology Transfer in LA (developing resources for technology transfer among HIV/AIDS community-based organizations)- Interview Questions
[Download not found]
[Download not found]

23Jan

Los Angeles County Methamphetamine Prevention Initiative

There is a significant unmet need in Los Angeles County for methamphetamine-specific training, and community service agencies and outreach workers need education and training on effective approaches to engage and serve persons in the community at risk. Training and technical assistance is also needed for service providers on the latest evidence-based methamphetamine treatment approaches.

More specifically, trainings are needed that cover methamphetamine-specific issues crucial for the development of skills by medical providers, clinicians and outreach workers serving clients who use methamphetamine and address specific concerns around providing culturally appropriate care for specific populations. These trainings address issues such as: mental health considerations, psychological complications, sexual and cybersex addiction and current evidence based treatments.

This training project included the following activities:

Providing consultation and technical assistance to the Los Angeles County Alcohol and Drug Program Administration (ADPA) and the Office of AIDS Programs and Policy (OAPP)
Developing training curricula and module for ADPA or OAPP-funded substance abuse or HIV/AIDS treatment providers
Developing and disseminating web-based training module
Providing in-service trainings for Los Angeles County Methamphetamine Task Forces
Providing in-service trainings for ADPA and OAPP-funded Drug Abuse and HIV prevention agencies serving young women
Providing tailored technical assistance

20Jan

HIV Counseling & Texting Program

The HIV Counseling and Texting (HCT) program utilizes social networks testing methodology, specifically designed to work with HIV infected and high-risk gay and bisexual men of color and transgender women. HIV infected or high-risk negative participants who either come to the Friends Community Center site for services or are contacted through street outreach and meet eligibility are invited to serve as recruiters. The engagement of new recruiters will be an active and ongoing part of the program. Potential recruiters attend a group orientation, which explains the social network methodology and informs potential recruiters that they will be requested to recruit individuals from their social, sexual or drug-using networks whom they believe to be at high-risk of HIV infection. Following the training period (brief identification, group orientation, individual interview), the recruiter begins to locate network associates to be referred to our testing site. Confirmatory HIV tests and STI testing (syphilis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea) are also available at the Friends Community Center site. Participants (both those who test HIV negative and positive) are then linked to appropriate medical, social, psychological, CRCS and other needed services. Network associates who wish to become recruiters are be assessed for eligibility and appropriateness.

This program is funded by the Los Angeles County, Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy (OAPP).

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