Evaluation of Peer Education Programmes for Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Adolescents in Edo State

Peer education is a widely used approach for delivering sexual and reproductive health information to adolescents in Nigerian secondary schools, leveraging young people's trust in age-similar educators. This study evaluates the design, implementation, and gender-differentiated outcomes of peer education programmes for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Edo State. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, comparing 200 peer education programme participants with 200 non-participant controls in Benin City, Ekpoma, and Uromi. Pre- and post-programme questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported behaviour change. Data were analysed using paired t-tests, chi-square tests, and analysis of covariance. Findings reveal that programme participants demonstrate significantly higher scores in reproductive health knowledge and contraceptive self-efficacy post-programme compared to controls. However, gender differences are evident: female participants show greater knowledge gains while male participants demonstrate greater reported behaviour change, suggesting the need for gender-differentiated programme content. Programmes implemented with structured monitoring and refresher training achieve higher participant engagement and knowledge retention. Recommendations include mandatory inclusion of gender-specific content in all peer education curricula, school administrator commitment as a prerequisite for programme success, and involvement of parents through parallel community sessions. Keywords: peer education, sexual health, adolescents, Edo State, gender