title: Assessing Participation and Effectiveness of the Peer-Led Approach in Youth Sexual Health Education: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in More Developed Countries.
abstract: Sexual health education for young people is crucial not only for development of norms but also for protection against vulnerabilities during this stage in life. Although several systematic reviews have examined the effectiveness of peer-led sex education, none have focused on the extent of peer participation. The purpose of this review was to evaluate peer-led sexual health education interventions in more developed countries (MDCs). Electronic and manual searches across five social science, education, and medical databases were conducted. Fifteen articles were selected in total. Most (10 of 15) studies gave low or no responsibility to peers. The majority of articles found improvements in sexual health knowledge (13 of 14) and attitudes (11 of 15) at postintervention stages. Two studies showed improved self-efficacy, and three showed behavioral changes. A preliminary synthesis of effectiveness and level of participation was done. Meta-analysis revealed a large effect on knowledge change (Hedges' g = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43 to 1.25) and a medium effect on attitude change (Hedges' g = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.80). Peer-led interventions could be a powerful tool. This review shows that this approach is effective in changing knowledge and attitudes but not behaviors. Further research and action are needed to understand optimal implementation.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care , The University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Wai Han
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: a Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care , The University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Heidi Yin Hai
authors.initials: HYH
authors.lastname: Miu
authors.affiliation: a Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care , The University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Carlos King Ho
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6895-6071
authors.initials: CKH
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: b University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: Joseph D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.affiliation: a Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care , The University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: William Chi Wai
authors.initials: WCW
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D019049:Developed Countries; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods*; D012725:Sexual Behavior