An Outcome Assessment of an ABC-Based HIV Peer Education Intervention Among Kenyan University Students

Abstract

This study reports an outcome assessment on an HIV peer education intervention at the main campus of Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. A quasiexperimental separate sample pretest–posttest design was used. Campuswide baseline and endline surveys were conducted with 632 and 746 students, respectively, soliciting information on HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. After 2 years of on-campus intervention, no changes in behavior were evident with respect to either abstinence or number of sexual partners. Small but statistically significant changes were found in condom attitudes and behavior, and a large increase in HIV testing was evident. It is recommended that future research more specifically compare abstinence versus multiple option peer education programs, giving special attention to the role of peer educators as models.

The authors are grateful to the Department for International Development (DFID) through The Futures Group-Europe (FGE) for facilitating both baseline and endline surveys, and also acknowledge the ongoing and generous support of the Kenyatta University Administration headed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olive Mugenda. Special thanks go to Prof. Philip Owino of Kenyatta University AIDS Control Unit (ACU) for supervising the project, as well as Prof. Emily Akuno, the then dean of students for her input throughout the entire assessment process.

Notes

∗Note: Because a few students did not answer all questions, numbers do not necessarily add up to the total sample number. Percentages are based on number of students who answered each question.