Optimizing Youth Sexual Violence Prevention Program Sustainability: An Implementer-engaged Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

The percentage of high school and college students reporting sexual violence has increased over time despite advancements in primary prevention. One partial explanation for the lack of improvement in the prevalence of sexual violence could be the lack of widespread dissemination, implementation, and sustainment of prevention programs. However, few implementation-focused studies specifically address sexual violence prevention programs (SVPPs). Implementation research helps to identify strategies for moving research and evidence-based strategies into policies and practices and is needed to move youth sexual violence prevention strategies into sustained use. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to learn about youth SVPP sustainability from program implementers’ perspectives and develop recommendations for sustainment. First, a survey was administered to youth SVPP practitioners in the United States. Survey findings (N = 97) revealed significant correlations between already-established sustainability constructs and program sustainment (e.g., funding), and open-ended responses highlighted the importance of coalitions, partnerships, and networks (a construct in the sustainment framework used for the study). Following the survey phase, a qualitative participatory phase took place, building on the survey results and connecting through the sample. The qualitative phase (n = 19) identified three major themes: (a) program buy-in, (b) prioritization of primary prevention, and (c) the centrality of connections and relationships. Examples of recommendations developed from the study are provided for each of the themes. Discussion focuses on contextualizing youth SVPP sustainability alongside other indicators of implementation success (e.g., adoption, acceptability) and the potential for addressing multiple implementation indicators with a shared set of strategies.