Ripple Effect on the Parent Generation under Adolescent Peer Education

INTRODUCTION: The authors implemented the “Creation of a Healthy Lifestyle by Healthcare Professionals and Adolescent Peer Leaders” project for three years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact on the parent generation by implementing adolescent peer education activity in farming villages in the United Mexican States.

METHODS: The subjects are residents between the ages of 12 and 69 who reside in the districts that are under the jurisdiction of the health departments of three locations in the rural area of the Poza Rica Health District, Veracruz, the United Mexican States, and 50% of all households in each district were randomly chosen. The subjects received an interview before and after the project. Among the results obtained, those between the ages of 30 and 49 were taken as subjects of this study.

RESULTS: There were 195 subjects and their average age was 38.0. The rate of those who know the peer activity increased from 21.5% to 61.9% (p<0.05), and the rate of those who are NOT uncomfortable talking about sex with their family members significantly increased from 47.2% to 63.6% (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this project, it is assumed that there is a possibility that the implementation of the adolescent peer education activity may make the parent generation feel comfortable talking about sex at their homes and may promote smoother communication among family members. It can be said that the adolescent peer education has a positive impact also on the parent generation.