P-04-15 From Spain to Colombia: Adaptation Process of Competences for Adolescents With a Healthy Sexuality Program (COMPAS)

Abstract

In Latin America, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in youth are two main public health problems. Colombia accounts for one of the highest prevalence rate of HIV and STIs in this population; however, a national standardized sex education program for adolescents is still not available. Competences for adolescents with a Healthy Sexuality (COMPAS for its acronym in Spanish) - a school-based sexual health promotion intervention for Spanish adolescents - was adapted for Colombian youth. We hypothesized that COMPAS key elements would be translated and its effectiveness would be retained. This research describes the adaptation process that resulted in an adapted version for youth in Colombia. A mixed-method approach was used to conduct this systematic cultural adaptation process that involved 100 Colombian young girls and boys. Adaptation process included these steps: 1) Consulting international researchers and community stakeholders, 2) Capturing the lived experiences of a diverse sample of Colombian youth,