This paper assesses the extent to which HIV prevention interventions for young people in sub-Saharan Africa are grounded\r\nin theory and if theory-based interventions are more effective. Three databases were searched for evaluation studies of HIV\r\nprevention interventions for youth. Additional articles were identified on websites of international organisations and through\r\nsearching references. 34 interventions were included; 25 mentioned the use of theory. Social Cognitive Theory was most prominent\r\n(n = 13), followed by Health Belief Model (n = 7), and Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behaviour (n = 6). These cognitive\r\nbehavioural theories assume that cognitions drive sexual behaviour. Reporting on choice and use of theory was low. Only three\r\narticles provided information about why a particular theory was selected. Interventions used theory to informcontent (n = 13), for\r\nevaluation purposes (n = 4) or both (n = 7). No patterns of differential effectiveness could be detected between studies using and\r\nnot using theory, or according to whether a theory informed content, and/or evaluation.We discuss characteristics of the theories\r\nthat might account for the limited effectiveness observed, including overreliance on cognitions that likely vary according to type\r\nof sexual behaviour and other personal factors, inadequately address interpersonal factors, and failure to account for contextual\r\nfactors.
Loading....