Most of the peer educators also intended to delay their first or subsequent sexual encounters and to use condoms when sexually active. In addition, the promoters were found to have a very strong knowledge of contraceptive methods and STDs. Many young people prefer to receive reproductive health information from peers rather than from adults. The involvement of peer promoters significantly increases referrals for contraceptive services at a fixed site. Peer promoters need to be selectively recruited, adequately trained, supervised, and supported.
Interactive training improves project outcomes.
Peer counseling requires more complex training and supervision than peer education. Turnover is a common problem in peer programs but it can be partially addressed by careful selection, the use of contractual agreements, and by good support, reinforcement, compensation, or other rewards. In some instances peer outreach workers have been engaged to increase the utilization of a fixed-site clinic. How to Create an Effective Peer Education Project . 2 Bartling H, Cameron H, Cronk B, et al.