HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy among Nepalese adolescents: a peer education program
Mahat, G.; Scoloveno, M.Ann.; Ayres, C.
Research and Theory for Nursing Practice 25(4): 271-283
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1541-6577 PMID: 22329081 DOI: 10.1891/1541-6577.25.4.271Document Number: 553015
The purposes of this study were to develop and test the effectiveness of an HIV/AIDS peer education program in improving Nepalese adolescents HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy in one of the schools in Nepal. A modified format of the program "Teens for AIDS Prevention" (TAP) was used in this study. A quasi-experimental design was used to test the effectiveness of the peer education program. A convenience sample of 121 ninth grade Nepalese students from an urban high school participated at baseline. The final paired sample included 118 students. The results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy. Nepalese adolescents' HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-efficacy improved after the peer education intervention. Therefore, school personnel, health care providers, and government and nongovernment organizations should consider developing and implementing school-based HIV prevention programs such as the peer education program.