Evaluation of HIV/AIDS secondary school peer education in rural Nigeria

This study used a comparative case series (n=250), a cross-sectional structured survey (n=135) and focus group discussions (n=80) to assess whether HIV peer education can influence knowledge, misconceptions and behavior among adolescents in rural Nigeria. A questionnaire was designed to look at socio-demographics, transmission and prevention knowledge on HIV, access to various sources of HIV/AIDS information, stigmatization and sexual behavior. Findings showed increased knowledge, reduced misconceptions and decreased risky sexual behavior in the peer-educated versus the non-peer-educated adolescents. Peer education is a viable option to influence HIV-related knowledge and behavior.