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The European Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on January 23, 2006
The European Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1093/eurpub/cki162
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© The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved
Received March 21, 2003
Accepted June 7, 2005

Article

Peer education in HIV prevention: an evaluation in schools

Koula Merakou 1 * and Jenny Kourea-Kremastinou 1

1 Department of Public & Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Koula Merakou, E-mail: kmerakou{at}nsph.gr


  Abstract

Background: In recent years a number of publications have come out about the peer education method used as a tool in HIV prevention for young people. Our survey aimed at testing the effectiveness of the peer education method in HIV prevention in high school settings through a pilot intervention. Methods: A peer education intervention took place in 10 high schools in Athens over a 1 year period. A cohort of 702 students was surveyed (n = 493 intervention group, n = 209 control group) from 13 high schools through anonymous questionnaires based on the KABPs model, pre- and post-intervention. The statistical package used was SPSS using the {chi}2-test. Results: Compared with control students, the intervention students were slightly empowered: (i) to increase their personal responsibility; and (ii) to adopt a safer behaviour in sexual practice. Knowledge did not show any significant modification between the two groups. However, discrimination about certain groups of people, the attitude about condoms and initiation of sexual relations did not appear to be influenced. Conclusions: The peer education approach can influence the behaviour of young people regarding their personal protection from HIV infection. In order to test its effectiveness, peer education should be further evaluated as a health education method in HIV prevention in high schools, other youth settings and community interventions, where the aim is behavioural change.

Keywords: high school; HIV prevention; peer education; survey.
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