Examining AGYW Risk Factors in Relation to DREAMS Program Completion in Kyotera Cluster, Uganda
Name: Meg Nolta
School: Mailman School of Public Health, Class of 2024
Mentor: Fred Nalugoda, PhD, MHSc and John Santelli, MD, MPH
Abstract
Research Questions: Are AGYW with certain risk factors more/less likely to complete the primary and secondary intervention packages of DREAMS? What improvements could be made to screening, enrollment, service linkage, and monitoring of the DREAMS program in Kyotera Cluster?
Background: DREAMS is a public-private partnership aimed at reducing rates of HIV among adolescent girls & young women (AGYW) in the highest HIV burden countries. Each AGYW enrolled in DREAMS should complete primary interventions based on age group, as well as secondary interventions based on individual risk factors identified during enrollment screening. This project assisted the RHSP DREAMS M&E team by examining recent participant data for Kyotera Cluster to inform recommendations for improvement in COP23.
Methods: Using AGYW answers to the enrollment screening questionnaire, I defined 10 specific risk factors. I created a conceptual map to identify proper primary and secondary services each AGYW should receive based on her risk factor(s). UDOTS data was reviewed and will be fully analyzed when COP22 ends in September 2023.
Results: Limitations in available data presented significant obstacles to program evaluation in districts of interest. As a result, the project underwent numerous iterations. Final program completion data will become available at the end of COP 22 and a complete analysis will be conducted at that time.
Conclusions: The complex nature of DREAMS causes inherent challenges to M&E processes. Although incomplete data has been a limiting factor in this evaluation, identifying specific gaps in data has guided recommendations for improvements in data collection.