Process evaluation of the development of a community-based participatory intervention promoting positive masculinity and peace and safety: addressing interpersonal violence in a Western Cape community

Abstract

Given the high rates of male homicides, victimisation and the perpetration of violence by men in South Africa, the prevention of interpersonal violence among males constitutes a major public health priority. The lack of effective strategies to address the onset and effects of exposure to violence foregrounds the need for innovative strategies to address this problem in South Africa. Within this context, this doctoral study’s primary research objective was to evaluate the processes and steps used to plan, design and develop a community-based violence prevention intervention that mobilised spiritual capacity and religious assets to promote positive forms of masculinity, and peace and safety. This doctoral research was part of a broader study entitled, ‘Spiritual Capacity and Religious Assets for Transforming Community Health by Mobilising Males for Peace and Safety’ (SCRATCHMAPS), which aimed to identify and mobilise spiritual capacity and religious assets, in particular communities in South Africa and the USA, in order to address interpersonal violence. This study was framed by a critical public health lens, and was guided by a Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) orientation and community engagement strategy throughout every step of the development of the intervention and the initial evaluation of the manual development process. The overall research design was a participatory process evaluation. Methods used for this process evaluation included community asset mapping, surveys, focus group discussions, research-based workshops, diary reflections, a photo-documentary, meeting minutes, process notes and participatory observations. The analysis of the multiple sets of data was conducted appropriately, relevant to the particular data collection methods pursued and the demands of both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. Findings from this study confirm the utility and efficacy of using a critical public health framework enacted through CBPR for developing an intervention that addresses the complexity of violence. The results further demonstrated that a strength or asset-based, gender-sensitive approach, with men working alongside women, is conducive to promoting positive forms of masculinity to create safety and peace.