Exploration of Challenges Faced by Peer Educators in the Implementation of Health Promotion Activities at the Institutions of Higher Learning

Abstract

Peer education programs encompass a variety of health-related topics; however, it is unclear what difficulties peer educators encounter when putting such health promotion initiatives into practice in institutions of higher learning. The objectives of this review are therefore to explore the challenges that peer educators face in the implementation of health promotion activities at the institutions of higher learning and to give recommendations on how to enhance the peer education program to better prepare peer educators for their role and to better prepare them for any upcoming obstacles. This qualitative study used a non-empirical research design, analysing primary research papers and grey literature using a systematic review technique. The study's time frame was limited to 2013-2023, and non-sequential preference adoption was taken into account. The conclusions of this study, which relied on the reviews of standard and fundamental research papers on this topic, were made credible by employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme. Peer education program at institutions of higher learning proved to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of students however the peer educators encounter some challenges when executing their duties such as little knowledge and training on some health topics, lack of interest on some health topics, lack of compensation and lack of support among others. Peer education, which is believed to be a useful technique in encouraging students to adopt healthy behaviours, is an interpersonal endeavour that is influenced by the environments, institutional backdrop, key individuals, and the participants' attitudes and aspirations.