Evaluation of a HIV peer education training program

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: During July 2004 the HIV program office of Stellenbosch University hosted its firstHIV peer-education training program. The aim of the training program was topromote HIV awareness and knowledge, and to encourage safer sexual practicesamongst students through empowering a group of students to serve their peers asinformal educators, role models, referral sources and activists.The research study was conducted as a results-based program evaluation study andaimed to successfully answer the following main research question: To what extentwas the Stellenbosch University HIV peer education training program successful ornot) in achieving its intended outcomes? The main objective of the study was thus todetermine whether the peer education training program had achieved its statedoutcomes·, and has had a positive effect on the participants, especially with regard totheir knowledge, attitudes and behavior.In order to answer the research questions successfully, a mixed-methods approachwas. employed, using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection andanalysis. Data were collected in two phases, before and after the trainingintervention. Research instruments used in the study included questionnaires,interviews, portfolios and observation. The qualitative data was analyzed by meansof content analysis and for the analysis of the quantitative data Statistica Version 7.1computer software was employed.The findings of the research study showed that, even though certain limitations wereidentified and recommendations for improvement could be made, the program wassuccessful in achieving its stated short term outcomes. Changes in the participants'knowledge as well as reported changes in attitudes and behavior, in line with· thedesired program outcomes, were also indicated.The results from the evaluation will be used in planning, changing and improvingfuture programs. The results will also be used to demonstrate to the program staffand funders that the program was successful, and to provide feedback to theparticipants and the other stakeholders.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University