title: Effectiveness of a multi-country workplace intervention in sub-Saharan Africa.
abstract: This paper examines whether a multi-country workplace peer education HIV prevention program is effective in influencing knowledge, attitudes and behavior in a highly educated and technically skilled workforce. Self-administered surveys were used to measure change among N=993 male and female workers exposed to a comprehensive and culturally-appropriate program. Most knowledge indicators and all attitude indicators showed significant improvement between baseline and post-intervention. The odds ratio was 2.48 for reporting confidence in using condoms correctly after exposure to the program compared with the baseline survey. The results on changes in practice were mixed; while respondents were more likely to report being tested for HIV post-intervention, they were also more likely to self-report risky behavior. The findings suggest that peer education prevention programs in the workplace may create a climate of open discussion about sexual issues that increases self-reporting of risk behavior. Reinforcement of the messages contained in the program is therefore extremely important for influencing future behavior change.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. krichter99@gmail.com
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: McInnis
authors.forename: Debora A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Rice
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D017280:Condoms; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D017132:Workplace