App.1: Sampling

Independent evaluation of the SAPLER peer counselling programme

*Learners were evaluated at the following schools:*
Ngaka Maseko	Grade 11*
Abel Motshoane	Grade 9 and 11*
I.R. Lesolang	Grade 11*
Atlegang	Grade 7 and 9*
Ditshego	Grade 9*
Pelotano	Grade 9*
D.A. Mokoma	Grade 12*
L.G. Holele	Grade 12
Mabopane	Grade 10 and 12
Micha-Kgasi	Grade 12

Schools marked with an asterisk had Sapler pioneers posted at them for periods ranging from a few months to more than a year between 1997 and 1999.

The evaluation was conducted at the end of the academic year during the exam period, with consequent logistical difficulties in obtaining equivalent samples from Sapler vs non-Sapler schools. In particular, the Sapler sample was drawn from Grades 7 to 12, while the non-Sapler sample consisted of learners from Grades 10 and 12 only.

To ensure greater equivalence between the two samples, only learners from the higher grades (10, 11 and 12) were included in the comparison. Although this ensured a greater degree of comparability between the two groups, certain differences, as outlined below, remained.

Summary of differences in biographical variables between Sapler and other schools

The Sapler sample consisted mainly of Grade 11 learners, but included some Grade 12 learners, whereas the non-Sapler sample consisted mainly of Grade 12 learners but included a few Grade 10 learners.
There were proportionally more boys in the Sapler sample. This somewhat disadvantaged Sapler schools as boys performed worse on measures of sexual knowledge and attitudes than girls.
Learners in the Sapler school sample were younger than learners from other schools. This somewhat advantaged Sapler schools as older learners performed worse on measures of sexual behaviour than younger learners.
There were some differences between Sapler and other schools in terms of number of adults per household, number of youths per household, family intactness and frequency of contact with father. However, none of these factors were found to be related to sexual knowledge, attitudes or behaviour and the differences thus neither advantaged nor disadvantaged the Sapler schools.

Differences and similarities in biographical variables are described in more detail below.

Grade	Adults, working adults and youth per household
Gender	Family intactness
Age	Contact with father

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