An evaluation of a peer health education programme in The Gambia, West Africa

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a peer health education programme among high school students in The Gambia, West Africa. The objectives were to measure: (a) the effectiveness of peer health education in information dissemination, (b) the impact of peer health education on health behaviours and (c) the identification of additional health education needs. A non-probability convenience sample was utilised. Two high schools, one urban and one rural, were selected for the sample. A total of 80 respondents, 40 from each school, were recruited. A validated questionnaire with both open and closed-ended questions was the data collection instrument which was subject to qualitative content analysis and quantitative descriptive analysis. Altogether 74 participants completed the questionnaire for a response rate of 925k. Descriptive analysis of the questionnaire's quantitative and qualitative results revealed that peer health education is an effective and acceptable means of disseminating information among youths. This finding was indicated by the respondents' almost universal awareness of the peer health programme and their ability to recall where the presentations were seen, the topics which were covered and methods of instruction utilised. Peer health education can also have an influence on health behaviours of youths. The results showed that 94.3% of respondents applied the health information to their own lives. This application of health information allowed students to make informed decisions pertaining to their health. The additional health education needs of youths were also identified. Within the context of a developing country, peer health education was found to be culturally appropriate and allows for the efficient utilization of local resources. Further research is recommended in order to provide additional insights into the implications of peer health education as it relates to economic developing countries.