부산대학교 도서관

Background: Youth and young adults are at significant risk for experiencing bullying, human trafficking, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Engaging youth and young adults as peer educators is critical in addressing these health disparities. Research literature supports peer education as an effective strategy for shifting attitudes and health behaviors among this population. Project FLOW is a peer-education approach for addressing health disparities among youth and young adults Method: Semi-structured interviews were held among cohort members who completed Project FLOW and who identified as college students, to virtually participate in the qualitative evaluation via Zoom (n = 4). Data were analyzed using NVIVO 12 and a constant comparative approach. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: 1) participants felt that Project FLOW provided them with a community of support; 2) participants perceived the small group learning sessions properly equipped them to address the respective health issue; and 3) respondents felt their peers could benefit from participating in Project FLOW. Conclusion: Project FLOW is an effective peer-education approach for addressing health disparities among youth and young adults.