Implementing Multiple Gender Strategies to Improve HIV and ... - ICRW

• Project completion report: The following are select, gender-relevant
findings from the report.
- The report reviewed a study that was conducted to assess the
effectiveness of peer educator education on soccer players. The
study used a questionnaire and focus group discussions to compare
the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the groups who attended
these workshops to groups who had not. Results indicated that
soccer players who attended peer education workshops showed
significant reduction in number of sexual partners compared to the
control group; a significant increase in regular use of condoms and
knowledge of the use of condoms; and increases in knowledge of
STIs, their diagnosis and treatment and their impact on increased
vulnerability to HIV infection. Also, there was a significant reduction
in soccer players who reported having had an STI in the past two
months. The control group did not show significant differences
between pre-intervention test and post-intervention test (conducted
two months after the intervention).
- The report reviewed the third year of the project with respect to the
level of communication between peer educators and their partners
in decision-making about sexual practices. Many peer educators
talked about increased communication with their partners on safer
sex and sexuality. The report also reviews findings from a
questionnaire and focus group discussions held with partners of
three out of the eight groups of peer educators, conducted in
February 2001. Results showed that female partners of peer
educators had retained the information they had learned from the
peer educators: 93 percent reported that their partner had spoken to
them about HIV and AIDS, and 100 percent could cite three reasons
for using condoms (prevention of HIV, STIs, and pregnancy). The
survey also showed that 34 out of 44 partners indicated that they
had increased communication about sexual issues, and 41 out of 44
felt the training had improved their relationship. Information from
focus group discussions with the partners also indicated that many
peer educators were initiating communication related to sexual
matters.
• Qualitative data collection: Findings indicate that community members,
such as older men and traditional leaders, are seeking out soccer
players involved in the project to learn about AIDS and HIV prevention.
Young women also have been encouraged to form their own groups
and now are educating other women and children. Some soccer
players also report committing to ending drug and alcohol use and
setting an example of being drug-free for young people in the
community.
• Annual survey: Results are pending data collection and analysis.
Replication and
Scale-up Activities
• TAI has conducted training for two other organizations that work with
young men so they can replicate select program activities.
• Though similar models exist now, it is unclear to what extent they were
influenced by the Shosholoza model.
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