Development and implementation of a process evaluation for intervention quality improvement of a community-based behavioral HIV intervention trial in Tanzania

Aim Process evaluations for social and behavioral interventions are increasingly important as interventions become more complex and multi-faceted. Conducting process evaluations in low-resource international settings can be challenging. Process evaluations in low-resource international settings can help inform and improve the quality of ongoing intervention implementation. We conducted a process evaluation of a cluster-randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a microfinance and health leadership program on sexually transmitted infections and intimate partner violence perpetration among young men in Tanzania. Subject and methods Our trial included 1491 participants and the intervention lasted 2 years. We collected process data on microfinance loan uptake and repayment, and health leaders' health conversations with peers to monitor intervention reach and dose received. We developed a database system that allowed offline data collection and synced to a central database when internet was accessible. Research staff in the USA accessed data from the central database to analyze and create regular implementation reports. Results Process graphical reports facilitated identification of implementation challenges and enabled us to resolve issues before they worsened. For example, from a group with low microfinance loan repayment we learned area participants perceived the loan to be a grant, and then we clarified the misinformation with participants. Conclusions The process evaluation helped inform ongoing intervention implementation, including approaches to improve reach and uptake of interventions. Field staff time was protected by systemizing the sharing of data processing and analyses across the global team.