Evaluation of a training aimed at building capacity for outreaching to men who have sex with men and transgender women in Indonesia

Abstract

Implementers of outreach program in Indonesia often provide formal training for their outreach workers (OWs) only at the startup. We believe continuous training can be provided by experienced OWs at any time if an appropriate training package is available. Using a one-group pre-test-post-test study design; we developed, implemented and evaluated an OW-informed training program aimed at increasing OWs' knowledge and skills for outreaching to men who have sex with men and transgender women. We analyzed longitudinal data from 75 OWs from 7 Indonesian cities using one-way within-subjects ANOVA to examine the effects of the training program on participants' knowledge and perceived skills over time Average overall knowledge among participants increased from pre-test to immediate post-test (P < 0.001) and from pre-test to 2-month post-test (P < 0.001), especially in basic human immunodeficiency virus and sexual transmitted infections; condoms and lubricants; sexual and reproductive health and rights; sexual orientation and gender identity and expression; and stages of behavior change. Average overall perceived skills increased significantly from pre-test to 2-month post-test (P = 0.018), especially in creating innovative outreach approaches; building effective teamwork; and coordinating with healthcare providers. This training package increased knowledge and perceived skills among OWs. Thus, if consistently applied, it could help maintaining quality of the outreach program.