ABSTRACT
Heterosexual people make up a small, but growing proportion of people living with HIV in Australia. This article draws on semi-structured interviews with thirteen heterosexual men and women living with HIV to examine the bearing that sexual identity had on their participation in a peer navigation programme. Our analyses consider the influence of sexuality and gender on the quality of peer relations and the effects of HIV-related stigma on health service engagement and quality of life. Gender and sexuality were significant factors in establishing understanding, acceptance, and community for participants. Having their heterosexuality mirrored by a peer was affirming for men. Women instead emphasised their gendered experiences of HIV. Otherwise, participants' narratives suggested that an experienced peer could reassure, guide interactions with community and services, and ease treatment-related and nonclinical aspects of life. We see peer navigation as a promising intervention to improve the quality of life for heterosexual people living with HIV. Person-centred support from a peer may be particularly important in HIV service environments adapting to the needs of heterosexual people. Peer navigation programmes should promote choice and employ peers of diverse experiences. Implications for referral and the improvement of social services for heterosexual people living with HIV are discussed.
ABSTRACT
People living with HIV have unique resources to offer each other and health systems. This study investigated how peer navigation might contribute to a socially supportive, health enabling environment in Victoria, Australia. We used semi-structured interviews with 30 program staff, management, peer workers and clinician stakeholders. Our analyses considered the interplay between the program, users, HIV-related stigma and discrimination and the health service environment. Peer relationships offered reassurance, acceptance and belonging, which people living with HIV can use to create personal change. Peer engagement coproduced insights for life with HIV and may help to overcome stigma and structural barriers to access services and community support. As a partnership between peer and clinical services, participants described how the program fostered appreciation of peer practices and insights, which were used to improve the quality and continuity of care offered in the state. These findings allude to the value of the community engagement and policy alignment peer responses produce and can be used to guide implementation of similar programs elsewhere.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Quality of Life , Humans , Delivery of Health Care , Social Stigma , Australia , HIV Infections/therapyABSTRACT
This scoping review maps recent research into peer navigation programs for people living with HIV. Four databases were systematically searched in June 2020. Results were screened according to defined criteria and were not restricted to any design, outcome or country. Six papers drew from randomised control trials, five from quasi-experimental or pragmatic trials, and four panel, eight qualitative, three mixed method and one cross-sectional designs were included for review. Programs incorporated health systems navigation and social support. Authors provided strong theoretical bases for peers to enhance program effects. Studies primarily reported program effects on continuum of care outcomes. Further research is required to capture the role HIV peer navigators play in preventing disease and promoting quality of life, mental health, and disease self-management in diverse settings and populations. Peer programs are complex, social interventions. Future work should evaluate detailed information about peer navigators, their activities, the quality of peer engagement as well as employee and community support structures to improve quality and impact.
