Abstract #291  -  Botswana teen club programmatic evaluation and baseline psychosocial assessment of participants
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Mr. Edward Pettitt - Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence
Additional Authors:
Aim: In 2005, we instituted a monthly Teen Club peer support group program for HIV-positive adolescents at the Botswana-Baylor COE. Over 200 teens are enrolled in the program. The objectives of the assessment were to determine the Teen Club Participants’ (TCPs): self-reported efficacy of TC on psychosocial indicators; perceived stigma; depressive symptoms; and risk-taking behaviors. We also gathered feedback on program design.
Method / Issue: In November 2008, we administered a 101-question written survey to 106 Teen Club participants. It included the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, Revised Berger Stigma Scale, and other questions designed by Teen Club staff. Demographic information was collected. ACCESS database and SPSS software were used.
Results / Comments: Survey respondents represented 55% of total active TC members; 63% were female. 73% and 17% of respondents reported the death of one or both parents, respectively. Significant findings: 1. More female TCPs (68%) than male TCPs (46%) feel “better able to advise peers on HIV issues” (p=.03). 2. More 12-14 year old TCPs (46%) than 15-18 year old TCPs (27%) reported being “better able to disclose HIV status” (p=.04). 3. The majority of TCPs agreed that, as a result of Teen Club, they are better at: a. handling their daily life (77%) b. getting along with their family (71%) and peers (71%) c. performing academically (71%) d. coping when things go wrong (65%) e. accepting their HIV status (79%) f. adhering to their antiretrovirals and other medications (79%) g. practicing life skills (75%), with more hope for their future (78%). Teen Club did not have a strong effect on decreasing reported risk-taking behavior (52%). 83% of TCPs reported that they would recommend TC to other HIV-positive youth. The psychosocial assessment will be analyzed further to determine rates of depression and perceived stigma amongst TCPs.
Discussion: TCP feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Preliminary results indicate a need to empower males in peer education, assist older teens in disclosure, and better address risk-taking behaviors. This evaluation will be repeated and tracked at 12 month intervals. We plan to implement interventions within Teen Club that will enhance psychosocial support of TCPs, leading to better clinical and mental health outcomes.
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