Study on peer-led school-based HIV/AIDS prevention among youths in a medium-sized city in China

• Published in: International journal of STD & AIDS Vol. 19; no. 5; p. 342
• Main Authors: Huang, Hong, Ye, Xiuxia, Cai, Yong, Shen, Lixiao, Xu, Gang, Shi, Rong, Jin, Xinming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.05.2008
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - prevention & control; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Female; Health Education - methods; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Peer Group; Safe Sex; Schools; Sex Education; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0956-4624
• DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2007.007208

HIV/AIDS epidemic is crucial in China; however, few studies were performed on youths. This study was performed to examine the effectiveness of peer-led HIV prevention intervention on HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour intention in senior high-school students in San-ming, a medium-sized city in Fujian province. Three thousand and sixty-eight students completed self-administered questionnaires before and after intervention, of which 981 students (the intervention group) accepted peer-led HIV/AIDS prevention intervention and others (the control groups) continued the usual teacher-led health education curriculum. Significant increases were observed in the intervention group in HIV-related knowledge, in attitudes and in behaviour intention after intervention. The results of this research also indicated an inconsistent level of HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude among students, with a significant gender, health education history and style difference in session delivery. More concerted efforts in HIV prevention are needed to improve young people's sexual health.