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Review
. 2016 Jul;17(4):537-47.
doi: 10.1177/1524839916632567. Epub 2016 Apr 19.

A Critical Review of the Characteristics of Theater-Based HIV Prevention Interventions for Adolescents in School Settings

Arianna Taboada  1 , Tamara Taggart  2 , Ian Holloway  3 , Amanda Houpt  4 , Robert Gordon  3 , David Gere  3 , Norweeta Milburn  3 , Alexandra F Lightfoot  2
Affiliations
Review

A Critical Review of the Characteristics of Theater-Based HIV Prevention Interventions for Adolescents in School Settings

Arianna Taboada et al. Health Promot Pract. 2016 Jul.

Abstract

Theater-based interventions are a viable prevention strategy for changing sexual health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to HIV prevention. However, few studies have explored interventions in English-speaking, high-income countries such as the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. This article critically reviews the literature to identify key characteristics of theater-based HIV prevention strategies used for adolescents in school-settings in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Specifically, we identify the theatrical approach used in HIV prevention interventions, the behavioral theories that inform such interventions, and the study design and results of existing evaluation studies conducted in school settings. In the 10 articles reviewed, we found limited grounding in theory and the use of nonrigorous study design. To strengthen the evidence and practical application of theater-based HIV prevention interventions, we highlight three specific recommendations for practitioners and researchers: (1) define and operationalize the theater approach and techniques used, (2) ensure theater-based interventions are grounded in theory, and (3) conduct rigorous evaluation of theater-based interventions. These recommendations are key to strengthening future research on and implementation of theater-based interventions for HIV prevention.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; behavior change theory; child/adolescent health; curriculum; health education; learning theory; sexual health.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Flow Diagram for Article Inclusion/Exclusion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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