A Brief, Peer-Led HIV Prevention Program for College Students in Bangkok, Thailand

Study ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of a brief theory-based HIV prevention program led by peers among college students.DesignA quasi-experimental research using a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design with 2-mo follow-up.SettingA university in Bangkok.ParticipantsFor peer leaders, 70 undergrad students taking health sexuality course were invited to participate in the study. Then, a convenience sample of undergraduate students was recruited through peer leaders, 226 for experimental group and 209 for control group.Main Outcome MeasuresInformation, motivation, behavioral skills, and AIDS/STIs preventive behaviors.ResultsThe study revealed that a Brief, Peer-Led HIV Prevention Program significantly increased knowledge of preventive behaviors (β = 2.67, P < .000), motivated participants to have a better attitude toward preventive behaviors (β = −5.26, P < .000), better subjective norms (β = −1.54, P < .000), and greater intentions to practice preventive behavior (β = −1.38, P < .000). The program also significantly decreased perceived difficulty of AIDS/STIs preventive behaviors (β = 2.38, P < .000) and increased perceived effectiveness at AIDS/STIs preventive behavior (β = -3.03, P < .000). However, it did not significantly increase AIDS/STIs preventive behaviors (β = 2.13, P > .05).ConclusionFindings of this study provide initial evidence as to how theoretical variables were operated to effectively increase knowledge, change motivation, and behavioral skills of AIDS/STIs preventive behavior among Thai college students. More research is needed to further test the effectiveness of the program on AIDS/STIs preventive behaviors among college students.