Effects of peer-led AIDS education aimed at Turkish and Moroccan male immigrants in The Netherlands - A randomised controlled evaluation study

Background: An evaluation study was conducted in The Netherlands into acqui red immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) education for immigrants given in the ir native language by peers. Turkish and Moroccan men were trained to educa te people from their own ethnic group. The effect of peer education on the perceived threat of AIDS and beliefs about condom use were studied. Methods : Places where male immigrants met, i.e. coffee houses, mosques and bars, w ere matched and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The e xperimental group filled out a short questionnaire at the end of the educat ion session (post-test), whereas the control group was pre-tested and had t he opportunity of following the AIDS education after participation in the q uestionnaire. Results: Using multilevel logistic regression analysis, an ef fect could be established on misunderstandings regarding human immunodefici ency virus (HIV) transmission (OR=5.9 and 95% CI: 2.3-15.3) and risk apprai sal for HIV infection (OR=2.9 and 95% CI: 1.3-6.3). The perceived benefits of the protective effect of condom use were affected in men 30 years and ol der, the perceived barrier of diminished satisfaction if using condoms was changed among unmarried men, condom self-efficacy was affected in men who v alued peer education as important and an effect on intention to use condoms was found among Moroccans. Conclusion: Continuation of peer-led AIDS educa tion for immigrants and adaption of the message to the needs of specific ta rget groups is recommended.