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Abstract
HIV prevalence is eight times higher in young South African women compared to men. Grassroot Soccer (GRS) developed SKILLZ Street (SS), a single-sex intervention using soccer to improve self-efficacy, HIV-related knowledge and HIV counselling and testing (HCT) uptake among girls aged 12–16 years. Female community leaders – ‘coaches’ – deliver 10 two-hour sessions bi-weekly. Attendance and HCT data were collected at 38 programmes across five GRS sites during 24 months in 2011–2012. A total of 514 participants completed a 16-item pre/post questionnaire. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with participants (n = 11 groups) and coaches (n = 5 groups), and coded for analysis using NVivo. Of 1953 participants offered HCT, 68.5% tested. Overall, significant pre/post improvement was observed (p < 0.001). FGDs suggest participants: valued coach–participant relationship; improved self-efficacy, HIV-related knowledge, communication and changed perception of soccer as a male-only sport; and increased awareness of testing's importance. Results suggest SS helps at-risk girls access HCT and HIV-related knowledge while promoting self-confidence.
Acknowledgements
The development, delivery and evaluation of SKILLZ Street were informed by numerous researchers and partners. GRS thanks its many testing and health services partners, including the South African Department of Health, New Start, Partners in Sexual Health (PSH) and MOSAIC, which have provided vital health services to GRS's young South African SKILLZ Street participants. Many GRS staff members also contributed greatly to this research through programme implementation and data collection – specifically Vuyolwethu Kayi, Boitumelo Rakosa, Annie Shongwe, Christopher Mfiki, Lentswe Ntshegang, Nomathemba Seeku, Lumka Mjana and Mandisa Nkewu. Additionally, we would like to thank Munro Consulting Actuaries for carrying out the analysis of the questionnaire data.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes
1. Routine monitoring revealed that common reasons given by school administrators, parents and testing partners included (1) fear of confidentiality being breached among students with a positive test result, (2) lack of existing structure for health service delivery at school venues and (3) discomfort providing HIV testing services to youth below the age of 18.
