Preventing HIV infection through peer education and condom promotion among truck drivers and their sexual partners in Tanzania, 1990-1993

Abstract

HIV prevention through peer education and condom promotion among truck drivers and their sexual partners is described. Trends during an initial 18-month intensive phase, followed by a 24-month maintenance phase, were monitored with surveys. Trends for self-reported condom use were: increase among men (56 to 74%) during the first phase with a decrease (72%) during the maintenance phase. Respective figures for women were 51%, 91% and 70%. Multivariate analyses revealed that men most likely to report using condoms were unmarried, had children, were more educated, had previously reported a genital ulcer, and perceived themselves at risk for HIV infection (OR = 1.95-3.47). Women tending to use condoms were unmarried, aware of the limitations of condoms, not in denial as to the existence of HIV, harboured inaccurate information about HIV transmission and were afraid (OR = 1.35-2.52). Both sets of results suggest that the most sexually experienced men and women who did not have a permanent stable relationship and who perceived themselves at risk, were most likely to use a condom. Peer education was an effective tool for increasing knowledge and encouraging appropriate behaviour change. It was most effective as an intensive high-input intervention and sustainable with the relatively stable population of truck drivers.

Barriers to the Use of Modern Contraceptives and Implications for Woman-Controlled Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Madagascar

“…Even if women have access to womancontrolled, covert methods of protection, discussion of contraceptive use with the primary male partner is likely (Biddlecom & Fapohunda, 1998;Castle et al, 1999;Green et al, 2001). Thus, it is widely believed that male involvement in family planning is necessary for improved contraceptive use (Sternberg & Hubley, 2004), and there is evidence that interventions targeting men have improved men's acceptance of contraception, including the use of condoms (Piotrow et al, 1992;Celentano et al, 1998;Laukamm-Josten et al, 2000;Leonard et al, 2000;Sternberg & Hubley, 2004).…”

Peer education, gender and the development of critical consciousness: participatory HIV prevention by South African youth

“…Peer education involves the dissemination of health-related information and condoms by members of target groups to their peers. Such programs have been shown to increase condom use and reduce levels of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in some countries and contexts in central and southern Africa (Vaz, Gloyd & Trindade, 1996;Laukamm-Josten, Mwizarubi, Outwater, Mwaijonga, Valadez, Nyamwaya et al, 2000;Wolf, Tawfik & Bond, 2000). Others have had more limited success (Leonard, Ndiaye, Kapadia, Eisen, Diop, Mboup et al, 2000) The approach has also been effective in sexual health promotion amongst young people in certain contexts in the United States (Janz, Zimmerman, Wren, Israel, Freudenberg & Carter, 1996).…”

Reduction of Health-Related Risks Among Female Commercial Sex Workers: Learning From Their Life and Working Experiences

“…A previous study suggested that continuous support to maintain the long-term motivation of peer educators is essential to avoid reductions in effectiveness of peer educational programmes (Laukamm-Josten et al, 2000). The Health Centre of Porto provides an important service for commercial sex workers.…”