A Case Study of Peer Educators in a Community-Based Program to Reduce Teen Pregnancy

Abstract

This investigation is a case study of peer educators in a community-based teen pregnancy prevention program. Research questions focused on identifying ways in which peer educators differed from other teens and exploring the perceptions of the peer educators about their experience in the program and the ways in which it has affected them. Data were collected via a written survey, semi-structured interviews, and written essays. Survey results indicate few differences between the peer educators and the comparison group. Qualitative analysis of the interviews identified several themes about both the program and the benefits of participation. An unexpected finding was a high level of support for LGBT youth. This finding raises questions about the role of peer educators as change agents, not simply to reduce sexual risk-taking but homophobia as well.

Key Words:

• Peer educators
• peer education
• adolescents
• teen pregnancy prevention
• homophobia reduction