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

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.

AMP!: A Cross-site Analysis of the Effects of a Theater-based Intervention on Adolescent Awareness, Attitudes, and Knowledge about HIV

“…We conducted the study in geographically distinct (urban and suburban) school settings, thus increasing the generalizability of our findings. Much of the research on the effectiveness of theater-based HIV prevention in school settings has been conducted in international settings without the incorporation of theory or rigorous evaluation methods (Joronen et al, 2008; Taboada et al, in press ); our findings make a significant contribution to the science of these interventions.…”

B!RTH: a mixed-methods survey of audience members’ reflections of a global women’s health arts and science programme in England, Ireland, Scotland and Switzerland

“…There is a growing recognition of the importance of public engagement within both the arts, and science sectors and the benefits of this type of public engagement 3 6. The use of theatre as a public engagement tool to stimulate debate, to widen access to ideas, to engage, captivate and/or motivate an audience with scientific information has been increasing 5–8. There are many examples of health-related topics that have been highlighted using plays, including conditions such as cancer, stroke, dementia and schizophrenia 7–15.…”

“…The use of theatre as a public engagement tool to stimulate debate, to widen access to ideas, to engage, captivate and/or motivate an audience with scientific information has been increasing 5–8. There are many examples of health-related topics that have been highlighted using plays, including conditions such as cancer, stroke, dementia and schizophrenia 7–15. Many of these plays have been used to engage and empower those most affected by the issues highlighted in the plays, and/or involved in research, such as patients, their carer’s and their healthcare providers 7–15.…”

“…There are many examples of health-related topics that have been highlighted using plays, including conditions such as cancer, stroke, dementia and schizophrenia 7–15. Many of these plays have been used to engage and empower those most affected by the issues highlighted in the plays, and/or involved in research, such as patients, their carer’s and their healthcare providers 7–15. Other interventions have used theatre for public or community engagement to address topics such as sexual health in high-income settings, with the aim to increase communication, and challenge opinions and behaviours.…”

“…By acting as partners in research, when appropriate, members of the public can provide insight and expertise to help generate innovation and support decision-making to make the research relevant, practical and motivating 5. Science communication using theatre has been used by researchers to disseminate key messages and promote public engagement 6 7. For example, there are studies describing how theatre-based interventions (eg, improvisation, role-play, vignettes) have been used as health education methods to communicate information and engage audience members in health topics such as substance misuse, sexual health, obesity and mental health illness 8–14.…”