JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sexual well-being is fundamental to physical and emotional health and the ability to achieve it depends on access to both comprehensive sexuality information and high-quality sexual health care from evidence-informed, non-judgmental providers. Adequate and timely delivery of these components to individuals who are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and unintended pregnancies promotes sexual health and mitigates consequences arising from risky sexual behaviour. Brief interventions that allow healthcare providers to improve the information available to clients, motivate and help them to develop risk-reduction skills, are seen as efficient ways to improve knowledge, change clients' behaviour, and reduce provider stigma regarding sexual health.

Objective:

The aim of the study is to evaluate five aspects of feasibility (acceptability, willingness, safety, satisfaction, and process) of a Brief Sexuality-related Communication (BSC) intervention based on motivational interviewing and behaviour change techniques in primary health care settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods:

This protocol outlines a multi-site, multi-phase study of feasibility of a BSC intervention in primary health care settings in LMICs that will be examined across four phases of the study. Phases I through III involve the collection of formative, qualitative data to examine both providers’ and clients’ perceptions of the feasibility of the intervention, adaptation of the intervention guide and training providers on how to implement the final version of the BSC intervention. During phase IV the feasibility of the intervention will be tested in a non-randomized pre-test-post-test trial where both providers and clients will be followed for six months and will participate in multi-phase data collection.

Results:

Separate strategies will be used to analyse the qualitative data arising from Phases I-III, including thematic analysis and systematic and consistent application of both deductive and inductive codes to the text, and the quantitative data arising from the pre/post surveys and exit interviews in Phase IV.

Conclusions:

This feasibility study will determine whether the implementation of brief intervention programmes aimed at improving sexual health outcomes is possible in the constraints of LMIC health systems, and will add to our understanding of factors shaping clinical practice among primary care providers. Clinical Trial: N/A