BACKGROUND: STD/HIV prevention programs have traditionally targeted the behaviors of high- risk populations, such as MSM, CSW and IDU. The purpose of this research investigation is to assess the relative effects of a peer counseling approach on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of client-centered populations consisting of taxi/pedicab drivers, factory workers, military and police personnel, and community residents. METHODS: A crossover panel design was used to evaluate the effects of peer counseling in each of the 18 study populations in five study sites in the southern Philippines. Ten percent of the participants in each study group were invited to participate in a 6-month peer counseling training program in which they would analyze the aggregate data specific to their work site and identify problem behaviors and their respective determinants (n=2718). RESULTS: Significant differentials between the intervention and non-intervention group at time 2 were noted in positive attitudes toward condom use (75% high vs. 55% high respectively, p=. 001), behavioral intention (82% vs. 74%, p=. 073). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that peer counselors can be an effective educational approach among high-risk heterosexual men.
Learning Objectives: To identify three needs analysis techniques for maximizing participatory action research. To identify two procedures for designing and tailoring educational materials. To identify two critical steps in the evaluation of process, impact and outcome assessment
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Community-Based Partnership
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.