Mahima Shah Malla, Save the Children/US, PO Box 2218, Kathmandu, Nepal, 977.1.412.447.598, msmalla@savechildren.org.np

Introduction: In 1999, Save the Children (SC) assessed rural Nepali adolescents’ reproductive and sexual health (RSH) and found that young people had extremely limited knowledge of reproductive systems and functions, early marriage and childbearing was common, and that sexual risk-taking was increasing. In conservative Nepali society, discussions regarding reproductive and sexual health topics are rare, yet adolescents need accurate RSH information. Because adolescents stated that they prefer to learn from and talk with their peers, SC employed a peer education approach. Methods: Peer educators were selected based on the recommendations of their peers as adolescents who were already sought after and trusted. Selected adolescents participated in a six-day training using participatory learning methods and developed BCC materials (session guidelines, flip chart, leaflets, posters, pamphlets), for use in their sessions. Peer educators then formed a network of more than 24,000 youth. These groups, called Youth Action Groups (YAGs), meet monthly and are extremely well attended. Results: According to a 30 cluster evaluation survey conducted in April 2003, there were significant increases over baseline in the age at first sexual intercourse (15.2 versus 17 years) and age at marriage (15.4 versus 17 years). Service utilization also increased by 20% over baseline and adolescents’ perceived capacity to negotiate condoms with partners increased by 15%. Conclusions: Peer education effectively contributes to improving the reproductive and sexual health knowledge and behaviors of adolescents. Key to the success of this strategy is selecting youth who are already trusted informants of their peers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to

• Recognize the importance of using a peer approach for improving adolescent reproductive and sexual health in conservative societies. 2.A rticulate the key attributes of a successful peer education program.
• Apply a similar strategy in his/her own setting.

Keywords: Adolescents, International, Peer Education

Related Web page: www.savethechildren.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Save the Children/US
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment