TRADITIONAL BALINESE YOUTH GROUPS AS A VENUE FOR PREVENTION OF AIDS AND OTHER SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Objectives: Our aims were to assess the feasibility of conducting peer -led educational interventions against AIDS and other sexually transmi tted diseases (STDs) through traditional Balinese youth groups and to gather information on sexual risk-taking and its correlates among Bali nese youth. Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, with follo w-up questionnaires for pilot intervention participants. Subjects and methods: A self-administered questionnaire was given to 375 subjects ( aged 16-25 years) from 12 youth groups representing four main resort a reas in Ball. Post-intervention data were collected from 97 of these s ubjects who had taken part in pilot educational programs. Focus groups supplemented survey data in evaluating the intervention and understan ding risk behaviors. Results: In a cross-sectional survey, one-quarter of males and few females reported sexual activity; subsequent focus g roups suggested under-reporting by females. While knowledge and worrie s about HIV/AIDS were high, only 10% of sexually active males and no f emales reported consistent condom use. The mean age of first sexual in tercourse was highly correlated with first alcohol consumption (P = 0. 0003). Peer educators from selected youth groups planned and implement ed interventions for their own groups. Post-intervention data indicate d significant increases in communication about sexual issues with frie nds and parents. Condom attitudes became less negative and efficacy in creased. Participants reported this as a first experience with peer-le d health education, preferred interactive activities to adult-led lect ures and recommended follow-up educational sessions. Conclusions: Peer educators from traditional youth groups can plan and conduct preventi on programs for HIV/STDs that are well-received by their group members hips. Using such venues may be an efficient way to reach a wide range of pre-sexual Balinese youth, as well as those already at risk for HIV /STD due to unprotected sex, alcohol consumption and multiple sexual p artners.