Comparing standard versus enhanced implementation of an evidence-based HIV prevention program among Bahamian sixth grade students: findings from nationwide implementation trials

Background Effective implementation strategies are needed to address the challenges encountered by teachers in implementation of evidence-based HV prevention programs in schools. The current study: 1) compares implementation fidelity of Focus on Youth in the Caribbean (FOYC) plus Caribbean Informed Parents and Children Together (CImPACT) intervention using enhanced implementation strategies (including biweekly monitoring/feedback and site-based mentoring) to those using more traditional approach (teacher training only); and 2) evaluates the impact of school coordinators’ and mentors’ performance on teachers’ implementation fidelity and student outcomes. Methods Data from an enhanced implementation trial in 2019–2020, involving 24 government primary schools, 79 teachers, and 2252 students, were compared to data from a standard implementation trial in 2011–2012, involving 35 government primary schools, 110 teachers and 2811 students using mixed-effects modeling and structural equation modeling. Findings Teachers in the 2019–2020 trial taught more core activities (28.3 vs. 16.3, t = 10.80, P < 0.001) and sessions (7.2 vs. 4.4, t = 9.14, P < 0.001) than those participating in the 2011–2012 trial. Teachers taught > 80% of the intervention curriculum in 2019–2020 compared to 50% curriculum delivery in 2011–2012. Teachers who had a “very good” or “excellent” school coordinator in their schools taught more core activities than those who had a “satisfactory” school coordinator (30.4 vs. 29.6 vs. 22.3, F = 18.54, P < 0.001). Teachers who worked in a school which had a “very good” mentor, taught more core activities than those teachers who did not have a mentor or had only a “satisfactory” mentor (30.4 vs. 27.6; t = 2.96; p = 0.004). Teachers’ confidence in implementing core activities, comfort level with the curriculum, attitudes towards sex education in schools, and perceived principal support were significantly related to increased self-efficacy, which in turn was related to teachers’ implementation fidelity. The degree of implementation was significantly associated with improved student outcomes. Implications/conclusion An evidence-based HIV prevention intervention can achieve a high degree of implementation when delivered with enhanced implementation strategies and implementation monitoring. Future program implementers should consider the purposeful selection and training of school coordinators and mentors to support low-implementing teachers as a potentially important strategy when attempting to achieve high-quality implementation of school-based interventions.