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The Meeting of Minds: Integrating Collaborative and Anthropological Evaluation to Improve the Lives of MSM of Color in Tampa,Fl
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| Presenter(s):
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| Candace Sibley, University of South Florida, csibley@health.usf.edu
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| Matthew Hart, University of South Florida, matthewhart@mail.usf.edu
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| Abstract:
This paper examines the efficacy and effectiveness of a Centers of Disease Control and Prevention evidence based intervention (3MV) aimed toward lowering HIV/STI rates among Men Who Sleep with Men (MSM) of color (Hispanic and African American. Literature on this population suggests that many MSM of color do not identify as gay, and also have disproportionately high rates of HIV/STI’s. Although a major study (Wilton et al, 2009) has evaluated the efficacy of the program, this evaluation adds to the corpus of evaluation knowledge through the use of mixed methodology (quantitative surveys and focus groups) and anthropological observation techniques to go beyond merely assessing the efficacy of the program itself. This evaluation will examine the participants levels of satisfaction in the program, and combine participant and staff insights to understand how the program can be better improved, and more readily adapted to the cultural context of Tampa, Fl . Moreover, the combination of collaborative evaluation and anthropological evaluation lend themselves well to improving the functionality of evidence based intervention for marginalized populations.
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Engaging the Transformative Paradigm to Assess the HIV Prevention Needs of Young Gay and Bisexual Black Men
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| Presenter(s):
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| Robin Lin Miller, Michigan State University, mill1493@msu.edu
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| Miles McNall, Michigan State University, mcnall@msu.edu
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| Abstract:
A challenge in assessing needs concerns how best to reflect the values of those who will ultimately be the recipients of services. Taking account of the values and perspectives of those whose needs are gauged may improve the relevance of the programs decision makers determine to support. We applied Mertens’ Transformative Paradigm to design and conduct a mixed-method statewide needs assessment of Black gay and bisexual men, ages 13 to 24. The needs assessment was co-led by a team of 6 young men, each of whom resided in distinct, high HIV incidence areas of the state. Young men co-directed all phases of the needs assessment, including selection of focus topics, protocol development, interviewer selection and training, data interpretation, and dissemination to decision makers and young men’s communities. The paper will highlight how a transformative perspective and young men’s leadership affected the ways in which their realities were portrayed.
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Inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) Stakeholders in Evaluations of Health Initiatives
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| Presenter(s):
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| Natasha Wilder, Claremont Graduate University, natasha.wilder@cgu.edu
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| Michael Szanyi, Claremont Graduate University, michael.szanyi@cgu.edu
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| Abstract:
While demographic data on race, gender, and socio-economic status are routinely considered in evaluations, in general data on sexual orientation have not been included. This study aims to address the extent to which sexual orientation is considered in the context of the evaluation, both while collecting demographic data and while involving stakeholders in the evaluation. A sample of evaluation reports on health initiatives were examined for the absence, presence, or elaboration of questions related to sexual orientation identity and sexual behavior. Additionally, the study examined the level of inclusion of sexual minorities in evaluations, specifically identifying whether LGBT stakeholders were included solely as data sources or involved in the evaluation design and implementation. Knowing the degree to which sexual orientation is or is not addressed in evaluations may inform future evaluation endeavors that aim to embody the tenets of social justice and inclusion.
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