Literature describing the roles and activities of peers working in HIV care is limited. Evaluations of the impact of peer-based behavior-change interventions reveal mixed results, due in part to varied program aims, structure, evaluation mechanisms, and training. Peers themselves are important resources to address these concerns and lay the groundwork for developing improved programs and evaluation strategies. This qualitative article describes peer support in HIV care and treatment from the perspective of 23 HIV-positive peers across the United States. Peers reported that peer characteristics (HIV-status, common experiences, and self-care) enable them to engage clients. Peers also required flexibility to respond to client needs, and their activities spanned four types of social support: informational, emotional, instrumental, and affiliational. We recommend peer programs and evaluations accommodate the broad scope of peer work by acknowledging the need for flexibility and activities that are not always directly related to clients' HIV care and treatment.
the introduction of ARTAS-II case managers to receive referrals from HIV counseling and testing programs was widely viewed as a success by referring providers. ARTAS-II case managers were reported to fill a much needed role that strengthened the HIV service delivery system.
Introduction
Many factors influence women’s use of alcohol and other drugs while pregnant and postpartum. Substance use impacts the maternal-child relationship during the critical neonatal period. The first days and months of human development lay the foundation for health and well-being across the lifespan, making this period an important window of opportunity to interrupt the transmission of trauma and stress to the next generation. Pregnant and postpartum women with a history of substance use require specialized support services.
Methods
The Team for Infants Exposed to Substance abuse (TIES) Program provides a holistic, multi-disciplinary, community-based model to address the complex needs of families with young children affected by maternal substance use.
Results
A multi-year implementation study of the model yielded results that indicate the effectiveness of this home-based family support intervention. The model focuses on reducing maternal alcohol and other drug use, increasing positive parenting, promoting child and maternal health, and improving family income and family housing. A key component of the model is establishing a mutual, trusting relationship between the home visiting specialists and the family. Foundational to the TIES model is a family-centered, culturally competent, trauma-informed approach that includes formal interagency community partnerships
Discussion
This article describes elements of the model that lead to high retention and completion rates and family goal attainment for this unique population.
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