| As the epidemic of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) continues, more scientific attention is being given to the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education programs. Rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) vary across regions, depending upon a complex interaction of social, economic and other factors or determinants (Kalichman et al., 2000). Due to the severity and complexity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, novel approaches to sex and reproductive health education are being developed (UNICEF et al., 2002). The need for expanded and intensified action to address HIV/AIDS among young people remains an urgent priority around the globe.; This dissertation provides an in-depth description and qualitative assessment of a network of a sexuality and reproductive health peer education network in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, entitled Y-PEER: Youth Peer Education Electronic Resource. The research design is that of an intrinsic case study, and the principal investigator is a participant observer. Data included field notes and archival data, such as project documents and pre- and post-workshop assessments. In the dissertation, the results are presented and Y-PEER's strengths and weaknesses are reported. Finally, suggestions and the relevance of the findings to the practice of sexuality education are outlined. |
