Innovative HIV prevention curriculum infused in peer-led youth camp to address HIV stigma & youth development in S. Africa – Pilot Program Evaluation

Introduction: This study pilot tested an innovative HIV prevention program delivered via a 10-day youth camp in S. Africa to address HIV testing and stigma perceptions, as well as youth development skills including goal-orientation, resilience, & locus of control. Methods: Disadvantaged youths who were at high risk of HIV/AIDS were identified and recruited through the local school leadership. With the partnership with a regional certified NGO providing HIV services, this camp program infused HIV prevention curriculum with fun games and activities through a youth-led camp program. Previously validated scales on HIV testing and youth development were measured in the baseline and post-camp surveys. Results: A total of 80 campers participated. The average age was 17.77 (SD=1.57) years, half were males, and 47% personally knew someone with HIV/AIDS. Half were sexually active and 60% were heterosexual. At post- camp, campers perceived lower HIV stigma towards testing (3-item), higher testing benefits (3-item), and lower perceived HIV risk (3-item) (all p<.05). In addition, campers scored higher on goal-orientation (6-item), resilience (14-item), and locus-of-control (28-item) scales (all p<.05). Campers were more likely to disagree HIV as a punishment for things they had done or thought people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) were not as good as others. Discrimination towards PLWHA was also significantly decreased, so did disclosure concerns and worries. Conclusion: Pilot evaluation showed the infusion of innovative HIV curriculum to peer-led youth camp had promising impact on HIV testing, stigma and disclosure, as well as youth resilience and locus-of-control.