Abstract
Currently, there are 13 million People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in the world of which 1.7 million people are HIV positive. Recent reports demonstrate that the risk of HIV transmission is significantly high among PWID, because these individuals are involved in risky behaviours; for instance, sharing equipment and involving themselves in risky, sexual activities more than the rest of the population. Peer education is a key behaviour change strategy that draws on several theories such as information motivation behaviour skill theory; theory of reasoned action; and diffusion of innovation theory. In particular, peer educators have been considered important agents of behaviour change because they are capable of communicating with PWID and influencing the group norms. The aim of the study is to look at the role of peer educators in behaviour change communication (BCC) intervention to prevent the spread of HIV among PWID. A systematic literature review was used as the method of choice for data collection. In particular, data were drawn from six highly relevant and most recent research journals. The results of this study demonstrate that peer education positively influences the norms, attitudes and believes of PWID. In conclusion, the study provides evidence that peer educators play a fundamental role reducing harm and the spread of HIV. The study proposes the engagement of volunteers who assist PWID with their injections in BCC interventions in order to prevent the transmission of HIV.
Highlights
Today, approximately 13 million individuals use injected drugs
The aim of the study is to look at the role of peer educators in behaviour change communication (BCC) intervention to prevent the spread of HIV among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID)
This study is in line with Morar et al (2018), Nazari et al (2016), Demirezen et al (2020) Semaan, Des Jarlais, and Malow (2006) and Keshab et al (2020) and demonstrates that peer education plays an important role in harm reduction and HIV prevention since it allows PWID to acknowledge the safer use of materials such as condoms
Summary
Approximately 13 million individuals use injected drugs. Out of this figure, 1.7 million people have HIV (World Health Organization, 2019). The People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) is highly vulnerable to being infected with HIV. One of the interventions aimed at preventing, treating and caring for PWID is the harm reduction program. Harm reduction refers to services, programmes, policies and actions aimed at reducing the harm to society, communities and individuals, caused by the use of drugs. The World Health Organization (2015a) indicates that harm reduction is fundamental in preventing HIV infections among PWID and their sexual partners.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
