Effectiveness of Educational Intervention Based on Peer Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Behavioral Intention Related to HIV/AIDS in the High School Female Students in the Region 14 of Tehran

Background and Objectives: AIDS is a health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was the survey of the effectiveness of educational intervention based on peer education on knowledge, attitude and behavioral intention related to HIV/AIDS in high school female students in region 14 of Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 330 female students were selected by multistage random sampling from 18 schools. For data collection, a reliable and valid questionnaire was used. Before the intervention, pretest were taken from both intervention and control groups and required information about knowledge, attitude and behavioral intention about HIV preventive behaviors were obtained for the design and implementation of intervention. Then, the educational intervention was implemented and after three months, the questionnaires were completed again to measure the impact of intervention. SPSS 21 statistical software and statistical tests of independent t, paired t, chi-squared, Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. The level of significance was considered P < 0.05. Results: After the training, significant changes in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and behavior was observed in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Age with attitude and behavioral intention with knowledge and attitude had direct significant correlations. Knowledge and attitude were able to predict 41% of changes in behavioral intention. Conclusions: The findings of current study showed that the use of peer education can be effective in educational interventions to increase knowledge and to improve attitude and behavioral intention about HIV preventive behaviors