Positive Side Effects: The Perceived Health and Psychosocial Benefits of Delivering an HIV Self-Management Program for Peer Educators Living With HIV.

Abstract

Although there is evidence that peer-led HIV treatment interventions are effective in improving health outcomes of people living with HIV (PLWH), few studies have assessed the health and psychosocial benefits of being a peer living with HIV. Qualitative interviews were conducted with nine PLWH who were peers of an HIV self-management intervention, to examine how this experience was perceived to impact their health behaviors, social support, and professional development. Peers reported improved HIV self-management and reduced health risk behaviors, which were attributed to increased self-efficacy and the desire to be a role model for participants. Peers described the experience as an opportunity to expand social networks and develop professional skills that could be leveraged for future employment. Our findings suggested that the benefits of being a peer could be enhanced in trainings and supervision by linking the importance of health-promoting behaviors to being a role model for other PLWH.