Agents of change: peer mentorship as HIV prevention among HIV-positive injection drug users

Subst Use Misuse. 2012 Apr;47(5):522-34. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2012.644122.

Abstract

This paper presents a qualitative investigation of peer mentoring among HIV seropositive injection drug users in a randomized controlled trial, the INSPIRE study. Qualitative analyses of 68 in-depth open-ended interviews conducted in 2005 in Baltimore, New York, Miami, and San Francisco revealed that these individuals conceptualized themselves as change agents through the identity of peer mentor at the three related domains of individual, interpersonal, and community-level change. Implications for program development and future research of peer mentoring as a mechanism for HIV prevention are discussed. This study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Drug Users*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Seropositivity*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Mentors*
  • Middle Aged
  • Peer Group*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Self Concept
  • Social Support
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous*
  • United States
  • Urban Population