Belonging, social connection and non‐clinical care: Experiences of HIV peer support among recently diagnosed people living with HIV in Australia

Abstract

Effective HIV treatments have transformed the medical needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV) to a chronic condition. However, stigma, poorer mental health outcomes and social isolation remain significant challenges for many PLHIV. HIV peer support programs have assisted PLHIV in navigating the clinical, emotional and social aspects of living with HIV. We draw on semi-structured interviews with 26 recently diagnosed PLHIV in Australia to explore experiences of HIV peer support services. Our thematic analysis identified three overarching themes. First, participants commonly reported that peer support programs offered a sense of belonging and connection to a broader HIV community. This established a network, sometimes separate to their existing social networks, of other PLHIV with whom to share experiences of HIV. Second, peer-based programs provided an opportunity for participants to hear firsthand, nonclinical perspectives on living with HIV. While participants valued the clinical care they received, the perspectives of peers gave participants insights into how others had managed aspects of living with HIV such as disclosure, sex and relationships. Finally, participants highlighted important considerations around ensuring referrals were made to socially and culturally appropriate support programs. Peer support programs fill an important gap in HIV care, working alongside and extending the work of the clinical management of HIV. Incorporating formal referrals to peer support services as part of the HIV diagnosis process could assist recently diagnosed PLHIV in adjusting to a positive diagnosis.

Quality of life among people living with HIV aged 50 years and over in Australia: Identifying opportunities to support better ageing

“…Almost two-thirds of participants reported recent feelings of isolation from the HIV community. Our findings of a significant association between this isolation and quality of life aligns with previous studies exploring the impact of improved connectedness within the HIV community on the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV, including fewer depressive symptoms, reduced loneliness, and a better quality of life [37,52,53]. Further, social connectedness among people living with HIV has been found to protect against the negative effects of stigma and discrimination [54,55].…”

Finding a safe space for learning and exploration: A qualitative study of recently diagnosed men’s experiences of peer support for HIV in Sweden

“…It is important to note that not having standardized referral pathways to peer support services for recently diagnosed PLHIV is not unique to Sweden. This practice has also been similarly observed in Australian clinical settings as well [ 32 , 33 ].…”

The influence of an agricultural intervention on social capital and water insecurity coping strategies: Qualitative evidence from female smallholder farmers living with HIV in western Kenya

“…Kibaara and colleagues have shown increased retention and adherence to care among HIV patients when a treatment buddy is involved [ 22 ]. Similarly, Wells and colleagues have reported increased uptake of medical interventions among HIV patients who are involved in or are part of a support group [ 71 ]. However, the influence of non-medical interventions on social capital has not been adequately documented.…”