Effects of a school-based sexuality education program on peer educators: the Teen PEP model

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of the Teen Prevention Education Program (Teen PEP), a peer-led sexuality education program designed to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV among high school students. The study design was a quasi-experimental, nonrandomized design conducted from May 2007 to May 2008. The sample consisted of 96 intervention (i.e. Teen PEP peer educators) and 61 comparison students from five high schools in New Jersey. Baseline and 12-month follow-up surveys were conducted. Summary statistics were generated and multiple regression analyses were conducted. In the primary intent-to-treat analyses, and secondary non-intent-to-treat analyses, Teen PEP peer educators (versus comparison students) reported significantly greater opportunities to practice sexual risk reduction skills and higher intentions to talk with friends, parents, and sex partners about sex and birth control, set boundaries with sex partners, and ask a partner to be tested for STIs including HIV. In addition in the secondary analysis, Teen PEP peer educators (as compared with the comparison students) had significantly higher scores on knowledge of sexual health issues and ability to refuse risky sexual situations. School-based sexuality education programs offering comprehensive training to peer educators may improve sexual risk behavior knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among high school students.

Fig. 1.

Flow of Teen PEP participants through baseline and follow-up assessments. Note. ¹Sixty-one were assigned to the comparison group and were compliant; 14 were assigned to the Teen PEP peer educator group but did not enroll in the intervention.