AEGiS-06IAC: Evaluation of AIDS peer education for university undergraduate students.

6th International AIDS Conference


San Francisco, California, USA — June 20-23, 1990

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Evaluation of AIDS peer education for university undergraduate students.

Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:351 (abstract no. Th.D.903)
Varnhagen CK, Svenson LW; University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to evaluate an AIDS Peer Education program for university students. The program uses undergraduate student educators to lead informal lecture/discussion/demonstration sessions on how AIDS is transmitted, the progression of the disease, and how to prevent it. The evaluation examines changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviours as a result of participation in the AIDS Peer Education Program.

METHODS: The sample consisted of 457 undergraduate students who participated in one of 50 two-hour AIDS Peer Education sessions in small groups of 10 - 12. Students completed pre- and post-session questionnaires that assessed knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to AIDS and its prevention. A long-term follow-up using a similar questionnaire is currently being conducted.

RESULTS: Although students were relatively well informed about common modes of transmission and prevention of AIDS their awareness was increased by the Peer Education program; knowledge about prevention, diagnosis and treatment increased by 53 - 91%. More importantly, 36% of the students recognized that they were at risk following the program and 68% indicated that they would be more likely to practice "safer sex". Although all students recognized the need to discuss issues relating to AIDS as a result of the program, female students indicated a greater inclination to attempt more open communication with friends (80% versus 65% of the males) and potential sexual partners (88% versus 74%). Comparison with the follow-up questionnaire results will determine the long-term effectiveness of AIDS Peer Education.

CONCLUSION: Research on the effectiveness of this and other AIDS education programs is essential in order to tailor educational methods and materials to meet the specific needs of young adults in the on-going battle to reduce the spread of AIDS.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Universities, Students, Evaluation Studies, Sexual Partners, Questionnaires, Educational Status, Adult, Human, Male, Female, nursing, prevention & control, ICA6KWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,universities,students,evaluationstudies,sexualpartners,questionnaires,educationalstatus,adult,human,male,female,nursing,prevention&control,ica6

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ThD903

Copyright © 1990 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.