Evaluation of an HIV/AIDS peer education programme at two Universities of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal: dual perspectives of students and peer educators
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Date
2020
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University of Zululand
Abstract
Peer education is a peer-driven approach to information-sharing and promotion of behavioural change amongst groups, including youth in schools and young adults in tertiary institutions. Peer education is based on the recognition of youth as potentially powerful agents of change and due to their shared similarities and accessibility to targeted populations, are deemed particularly effective in promoting positive behaviours, healthy lifestyle choices and encouraging social awareness and responsibility. The reported study investigated the perceived impact and efficacy of peer education programmes at two universities of technology in KwaZulu-Natal, namely Durban University of Technology (DUT) Midlands Campus and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in Umlazi. The research sample comprised twenty-four peer educators, ten students who had participated in peer education programmes and two health promoters. Focus groups and individual semi-structured qualitative interviews were the methods used to collect data.
The research findings suggest that the notion of peer educator identity is a distinct identity connected academically and developmentally to the broader student population, yet, unique in its responsibilities and range of practices. The findings also advance peer education as a novel ‘community of practice’ uniquely positioned within higher education to drive social awareness and responsibility and to effect tangible shifts in student identity and behaviour, particularly with respect to sexuality and HIV/AIDS. Highlighted by programme recipients was holistic personal growth and skills development, perceptual shifts in sexual and gender-role assumptions and stereotypes, increased awareness of sexual diversity, assertiveness and boundary-setting with respect to the handling of peer pressure, and an enhanced awareness of collective social responsibility to stop the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Recommendations include the development of a national HIV/AIDS peer education policy for the South African post-school education and training sector. Among other goals, to design and implement standardised peer education programmes with critical generic components that are sufficiently inclusive to address all aspects of social relevance to students and that are sufficiently flexible to be adapted to different institutional contexts. Recommendations for future research include targeting student leaders’ (political, religious, sport and recreation) perceptions and involvement in peer education programmes at tertiary institutions, with a view to optimising its accessibility, impact and efficacy
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology in the Arts, University of Zululand, 2020.
Keywords
Peer education, information-sharing and promotion, HIV/AIDS