STD Peer Education Among Teens

Background: In 2009, the Georgia case rate for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis (primary and secondary), combined was 853 per 100,000.  The significance of these rates and the need to increase STD education in community settings prompted the state STD Office to collaborate with the Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) program to provide STD teen education using venues frequented by teens.        

Objectives: To describe the development and implementation of a Teen Peer Educator Program designed to provide STD education to other teens.

Project Description: In 2010, the Georgia STD Office collaborated with a district AHYD program and a local Boys and Girls Club to recruit and train teens as Peer Health Educators.  A training curriculum was developed by the Syphilis Elimination’s health education workgroup. The workgroup also established requirements for the teens to become certified as Peer Educators.  Teens were required to attend a six hour training for certification.  A total of seven trainings were conducted with 31 teens trained to provide STD education.  Of the 31 teens trained, 3 (9.6%) were males.  The teens ranged from age 13 to 19.  The name “SELL” (STD Education Leadership League) was given to the group.

Findings: The certified members of SELL provided education to more than 200 peers in 2010.  The teens identified innovative ways to educate their peers.  They used Facebook and text messaging to send STD prevention messages.  They also conducted one-on-one educational sessions.  Some teens noted they were able to educate friends who confided in them about personal STD issues.  Additionally, the teens provided education during National HIV Testing Day events.   

Conclusions: The use of Peer Educators provides an opportunity to increase the number of teens that receive education within community settings.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Programs should develop and implement innovative ways to provide STD education to targeted populations.