Acceptability, Feasibility, and Implementation Outcomes of a Family-Based Intervention for Black Men and Girls

Family-based interventions may reduce the risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Black girls in the United States, but few have engaged Black male caregivers. We examined key implementation outcomes of IMAGE, IMARA for Black Male Caregivers, and Girls Empowerment, an adapted evidence-based intervention for Black girls (13-18 years old) and their male caregivers. We conducted a pilot test of IMAGE with 40 girl-male caregiver dyads, using a pre-post-test design at baseline and 1-month follow-up. We assessed four implementation outcomes: feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and fidelity. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the change from baseline to 1-month follow-up for girls and their male caregivers. Feasibility was strong; 87% of those approached agreed to participate, and 93% completed the intervention. Acceptability was also high, with more than 75% of girls and male caregivers reporting being extremely satisfied with IMAGE, and 76% of participants feeling there was an appropriate amount of time spent on the topics. Intervention fidelity, as rated by observers, was 98%. At 1-month follow-up, girls and male caregivers endorsed improvements in their relationship, namely closeness and communication. IMAGE is a promising program designed to protect and reduce transmission of HIV and STIs among Black girls. We found strong evidence of feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and fidelity; therefore, a fully powered randomized controlled trial is warranted.