Intervention sustainability is a critical yet understudied aspect of implementation science research. To address this gap, we examined the sustainability of the Women's Health CoOp (WHC), a gender-focused, evidence-based, HIV and alcohol risk-reduction intervention, after an implementation trial. We used a mixed methods design consisting of questionnaires (n = 12), 3 focus groups (n = 11), and a semistructured interview conducted with interventionists implementing the WHC in clinics and substance use treatment programs in Cape Town, South Africa. Five out of 8 facilities implemented the WHC beyond the 6-month implementation period, and 4 were still implementing the WHC as of October 2019. Sustainability ranged from approximately 8 months to more than 3 years. At the most recent assessment, interventionists delivered the intervention to 0-20 participants in the past month. Qualitative findings indicate that long-term sustainability would require support from upper management, staff dedicated to the WHC, and booster trainings. The WHC was sustained postimplementation. Integrating the program into usual care would be feasible; however, human resources, financial, and institutional support would be needed for sustainability. To move implementation science forward, it is essential to determine sustainability beyond the presence and involvement of researchers.
Sustainability of a gender-focused HIV and alcohol risk-reduction intervention in usual care settings in South Africa
A mixed methods analysis
Gichane, M. W., Wechsberg, W. M., Ndirangu, J., Howard, B., Bonner, C. P., Browne, F. A., & Zule, W. A. (2021). Sustainability of a gender-focused HIV and alcohol risk-reduction intervention in usual care settings in South Africa: A mixed methods analysis. AIDS Care, 33(sup1), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2021.1966694
Abstract
Publications Info
To contact an RTI author, request a report, or for additional information about publications by our experts, send us your request.
Meet the Experts
View All ExpertsRecent Publications
Article
The daily association between affect and alcohol use: A meta-analysis of individual participant data
Article
Protection of forest ecosystems in the eastern United States from elevated atmospheric deposition of sulfur and nitrogen
Article
The use of patient experience feedback in rehabilitation quality improvement and codesign activities
Article