Effectiveness of Integrating a Peer Education Program to Improve HIV Service Uptake Among University Students: Evidence from Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences

Billy John Khembo^1, *, Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando²

1. Center for Community Health, Research and Youth Development (CHeR-YoD), P/Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi.
2. Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, P/Bag 360, Chichiri Blantyre, Malawi.

• Corresponding Author: Billy John Khembo E-mail: billyjkhembo@gmail.com

Abstract
Introduction
Although peer education programs are crucial in Malawi, there is paucity of data on their effect on uptake of HIV services among students in colleges. This study assessed the effectiveness of integrating a peer educators’ program in enhancing HIV services uptake among students at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
Methods
This was a complementary mixed-methods study. The quantitative component employed a retrospective comparative pre-post design to assess changes in HIV service utilization before and after integration of the peer educator programme. Quantitative data on HIV service utilization provided by the MUBAS campus clinic were obtained for 12-month period before integration of the peer educator programme and 12-month period following its integration. Comparative analysis and Z-test were performed to compare the proportions of students accessing HIV service before and after integration of the program. An exploratory qualitative study used 12 key informant interviews [KIIs] to explore barriers and facilitators in the implementation of the program. Data were analysed using a framework method of analysis.
Results
The study findings showed that in 2023, before the integration of the peer educator program, a total number of 1,875 clients accessed HIV services compared to 2,579 clients who accessed the services in 2024. This indicates a 37.55% percentage increase [Z-value of +12.418 and p = 2.09 × 10-35]. HIV self-test kit distribution increased by 241% following the integration of peer educators, with a Z-value of +20.544 and p = 8.68 × 10-94. Participants regarded the peer educator program as effective in improving students’ knowledge, related to HIV and SRHR, facilitating access to sexual and reproductive health services and promoting health seeking behaviour among students at MUBAS.
Conclusions
The integration of peer educator programs in services distribution, demonstrated to be an effective model to improve access to HIV services among young people in higher education institutions
Keywords: Peer educator program, Sexual Reproductive Health, HIV and AIDS, HIV prevention services, University Students.