Peer Education Program for HIV/AIDS Related Sexual Behaviors of Secondary School Students

Impact of Peer Education Program on HIV/AIDS Related Sexual Behaviors of Secondary School Students in Rural Communities, India: a Quasi-experimental Study.

Worldwide, about 50% of all new cases of HIV occur in youth between age 15 and 24 years. Studies in various countries show that both out of school and in school adolescents and youth are engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Peer-based interventions have become a common method to effect important health-related behavior changes and address the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peer education in improving HIV knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices among in-school adolescents

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 14 years of age;
• non-injecting use of heroin, cocaine or crack cocaine in the last six months;
• test HIV antibody negative;
• agree to provide specimens for testing (HIV, HBV and pregnancy) and be willing to learn the results of these tests;
• willing to return for visits at 1, 6, and 9 months post-enrollment;
• willing and able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of injection drug use in the previous 3 years;
• pregnant;