| Room 520-C | Sexuality and Health Thursday, July 14, 2005 Time: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM |
An investigation of attitudes and experiences of people involved with Japan′s peer-to-peer sexual health programs.
Higashi, Yuko*,1, Ikegami, Chizuko 2, Suh, Sookja3, Hyodo, Chika4, Sholdt, Gregory5, 1 Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai City, Osaka, Japan2 Place Tokyo, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan3 Niigata College of Nursing, Jyoetsu, Niigata, Japan4 Waseda University, Institute of Contemporary Japanese Studies, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan5 Himeji Dokkyo University, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
ABSTRACT- Introduction and Objectives: As evidenced in the extensive literature on the subject, programs using the peer–to–peer approach are extremely popular in health promotion, especially in the fields of sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention. However, little research has been done on such programs in Japan. This quantitative study gathers information on the backgrounds (sources of knowledge, training) of people involved with peer–to–peer programs in Japan and investigates their experiences and perceptions of the benefits of using the peer–to–peer approach. Methods and Results: Through a review of publications and resource books, individuals/programs involved in sexual health promotion in Japan were identified and sent surveys. Background information was collected, and perceptions were measured using twenty items based on a five–point Likert scale. Further information on their experiences with the peer–to–peer approach was gathered using open–ended questions. Among the 111 respondents, 41 percent cited casual discussions at their workplace as their primary information source on the peer–to–peer approach, and 42 percent have received no formal training on the topic. Overall attitudes towards this approach were positive; however, the benefits of program design were viewed more negatively as compared to other program designs, and those having peer–to–peer experience rated program design significantly more negative than those without experience. Conclusion: The general enthusiasm for the peer–to–peer approach found in the international community also exists in Japan; however, this study demonstrates that those involved with these programs in Japan may have more difficulties with design issues. The diverse range of sources of information with a reliance on informal means of transmission reveals the potential that many involved with peer–to–peer programs are receiving inaccurate, incomplete, or competing information about how to establish and run such programs. Increased networking among programs with the development of a peer–to–peer community is needed in order to share the successes and also the difficulties with using the peer–to–peer approach and to improve the quality of these programs. ′′
Key words: peer, sex education, sexual health