Introduction: To conduct an evidence-based review of the literature on the use of peers leaders as a strategy for adolescent HIV prevention. Methods: An electronic search of intervention literature was preformed using online computer databases including literature from 1980 to September 1999. We identified 23 published interventions that met our inclusion criteria. These 23 interventions were systematically reviewed and information was abstracted from their publications to examine how peers were utilized and programs evaluated. Results: Thorough reporting of intervention specifics is absent. Only eight studies reported ages of both the participants and the leaders. Eight studies reported the gender makeup of both peer leaders and the participants of the programs. Merely five studies reported the racial/ethnic composition of both the peer leaders and participants. Nine of the studies reported neither the theoretical foundation of the trainings nor described the training in any manner. Finally, most studies did not elaborate the roles of the peer leader, obsuring operationalized definitions of peer leadership, education, outreach, networks and support. Conclusions: Conclusions about the effectiveness of using peers in adolescent HIV prevention programming has been neither well defined nor well tested. Although substance use literature suggests that peers can be effective in intervention strategies, to date there has been insufficient data published within HIV prevention research to warrant such conclusions. Future research must address the theoretic bases for the use of peers, the effectiveness of peers as a strategy for adolescent HIV prevention, and the characteristics of efficacious use of peers in HIV prevention.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescent Health, HIV Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.