Related Experiment Videos
Peer education: a viewpoint and critique
1Healthwise, Columbia University, New York City, USA.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study examines the effectiveness of peer health education programs in colleges. It questions the underlying assumptions and highlights challenges in training peer health educators as paraprofessionals.
Area of Science:
- Health Education
- Higher Education
- Public Health
Background:
- Peer education is a long-standing strategy in college health services.
- Existing health education programs frequently utilize peer health educators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the foundational assumptions of peer health education.
- To identify and discuss the challenges associated with training peer health educators.
Main Methods:
- This study presents a viewpoint analysis.
- It involves a critical review of current practices and assumptions in peer health education.
Main Results:
- The effectiveness of peer health education relies on unexamined assumptions.
- Training peers as paraprofessionals presents significant practical and ethical problems.
Conclusions:
- Rethinking the reliance on peer health educators is necessary.
- Further investigation into the limitations and potential harms of paraprofessional training is warranted.