Katekaew Seangpraw
University of Phayao, Thailand
Title: Effectiveness of a life skills model for prevention sexual risk behaviors among university students in Phayao Province, Thailand - A quasi-experimental
Biography
Biography: Katekaew Seangpraw
Abstract
This quasi-experimental research with 2 Groups and a Pretest-Posttest design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a life skills model for preventing sexual risk behaviors among university students in Phayao Province. The sample was of a first year in university students. The experimental group was composed of 300 students and 200 students in a comparison group from the same school. The experimental group participated in the integrate life skills model for preventing sexual risk behaviors and participatory learning. The educational activities organized were lecture, brainstorming, group discussion, role-playing, simulation games, naming experience, and 6 life skills training sessions, once a week and 90 minutes for each session. The data were collected from self-questionnaires and analyzed by using the following statistics: frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Paired samples t-test, and Independent samples t-test. The results showed that significant improvement in knowledge about STI and HIV/AIDS in the experimental group as compared to the comparison group (p <0.001), changed their self-awareness, self-esteem, decision-making and problem-solving skills (p <0.001). The experimental group also significantly improved communication skills, and behaviors preventive to sexual risk than before the program and measured against the comparison group (p <0.001). A life skills model was found to reduce sexual risk behaviors among university students was effective. Thus, this program should focus on safer sexual behaviors to develop strategies to increase self-efficacy and integration in the university curriculum for sustainability. Changes in sexual risk behavior mat require a longer follow-up.