Adolescent health promotion: The value of being a peer leader in a health education/ promotion peer education programme

Abstract

Objective To explore the process of adolescent peer leaders and the benefits of being a peer leader in a sexual health HIV/AIDS peer education programme.

Design A qualitative study using the principles of grounded theory method.

Setting Individual interviews were carried out by the researcher in a room within the building where training of peer leaders took place.

Method Fifteen semi-structured in-depth interviews, followed by grounded theory investigation.

Results Findings indicated that the process of peer leadership although complex was largely beneficial. The peer leaders were able to identify areas where the experience had benefited them as individuals. Conclusion The peer leaders that participated in the study highlighted positive changes in attitudes and also discussed the effects on their personal lifestyles. From the findings a correlation framework emerged that could be used for studying the interrelationship of factors that determine the effects of being a peer leader.