Improving adolescents’ HIV/AIDS prevention behavior: A phenomenological study of the experience of planning generation program (GenRe) ambassadors as peer educators

Background: Adolescents face increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS due to factors such as
insufficient knowledge and awareness, stigma, and restricted access to information. The
Indonesian government initiated a peer education program through the Planning Generation
Program (GenRe) ambassadors. These ambassadors are tasked with educating their peers
about HIV/AIDS. However, their experiences are largely underexplored.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the GenRe ambassadors’ experience in improving
adolescents’ HIV/AIDS prevention behavior.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, with in-depth and
semi-structured interviews of GenRe ambassadors who had served for at least three to six
months within the South Jakarta Health Sub-Department, Indonesia. Purposive sampling and
data saturation techniques were utilized. Data were collected from 13 May to 31 August 2022,
and Colaizzi’s steps were used to guide the data analysis.
Results: Nineteen GenRe ambassadors participated, predominantly female university
students ages 18–22. Six themes were developed: 1) the impact of GenRe ambassadors’ roles
in improving HIV/AIDS prevention behavior, 2) activities to improve HIV/AIDS prevention
behavior, 3) enhancement of self-concept as GenRe ambassadors, 4) obstacles to activities
for improving HIV/AIDS prevention behavior, 5) support for activities to improve HIV/AIDS
prevention behavior, and 6) hope for improving the GenRe ambassador program’s
implementation.
Conclusion: GenRe ambassadors are influencers who play a critical role in promoting
HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors and fostering positive change in the broader youth community.
Despite their positive self-concept, they encounter challenges in fulfilling their roles. Utilizing
their insights, community health nurses can create effective peer-led HIV/AIDS prevention
programs and contribute to a model of health promotion for adolescents. Leveraging the role
of GenRe ambassadors as peer educators is recommended to enhance HIV/AIDS prevention
efforts among adolescents