Reaching Young Men: Lessons Learned in the Recruitment, Training, and Utilization of Male Peer Sexual Health Educators

Abstract

The need to involve men in family planning and reproductive health services has gained increased recognition by health organizations and practitioners as an important strategy for reducing persistently high rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Peer education is one popular approach that has been shown to be effective in promoting healthy sexual behaviors as well as increasing sexual health knowledge, attitudes, and skills among young people. Although the efficacy of peer education programs is related to the recruitment, selection, and training of instructors, little information on these topics has been shared. Moreover, there is an even greater dearth in the literature regarding young male sexual health educators. This report addresses this gap and describes lessons learned about the selection, development, and contributions of young male health educators in a male-focused peer-based sexual health program.