Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess female adolescents’ level of knowledge and number of uses of the female condom following a peer education session. Methods: Female adolescents (n=100), recruited from The Mount Sinai Adolescent Center, completed an interview and/or participated in a peer-led health education session. Samples of female condoms were distributed. Knowledge about and use of the female condom were measured pre-intervention, and follow-ups were conducted after one month (n=48) and four months (n=27). Results: Of the initial sample (n=100) the mean age was 18 and 94% were sexually active. Average scores on a female condom quiz improved from 5.8 prior to our intervention, to 7.3 out of 8 at the one-month follow-up (n=48, p<0.005), and were maintained at the four-month follow-up (n=27, p<0.005). After the intervention 50% of the follow-up participants that were currently sexually active (n=40) tried the female condom. Of those that did try the female condom (n=20), 45% used it more than once and 85% reported that they would use it again in the future. Conclusions: Adolescents significantly increased their knowledge of the female condom and retained this high level of knowledge for at least four months after participating in the session. In addition, this intervention coupled with the distribution of free female condom samples greatly increased the likelihood that the subjects would try the female condom. Adolescents were receptive to the female condom and may be willing to use it as another tool to protect against STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to: 1) Assess female adolescents' knowledge about sexual health issues 2) Evaluate the efficacy of peer-led health education sessions in conveying information concerning the female condom.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Peer Education
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.