| Abstract: A peer-taught, HIV education class at Washington State University has been shown to be effective in increasing student knowledge and lowering high-risk sexual behaviors (Brigham, Donahoe, Gilbert, Thomas, Zemke, Koonce, et. al., 2003). The class focuses on integrating safer-sex information with self-management and sexual-decision making skills in small group settings. Previous research has shown significant decreases in the percentages of students engaging in high-risk sexual behavior (Brigham, et. al., 2003), but was of limited generalizability due to lack of a control group. A paired-sample control group was established using 57 students from introductory psychology courses. In weekly comparisons to control participants, experimental participants significantly reduced their number of total sex acts, significantly increased the percentage of condom use for intercourse, and significantly reduced their alcohol consumption. The experimental group significantly increased their condom use from the beginning to the end of the program, while the control group's condom use significantly decreased. The results of this study support previous findings of the effectiveness of the HIV education program, and suggest that the students in the program significantly changed their behaviors compared to their peers who did not receive the HIV education program. |