Role of peer educators in behaviour change communication interventions for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs: Systematic review article

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.

Impact of peer education on sexual health knowledge among adolescents and young persons in two North Western states of Nigeria

“…Adoption of peer education as an education strategy became necessary as a result of failures in the educational system [3]. The effectiveness of this approach to learning is based on the theory that the passage of sensitive information is easier between people of the same age group [4,5]. Similarly, based on the theory of social awareness, peers tend to imitate the behavior of someone they consider a model [6].…”

Effect of Peer Education Method on Knowledge and Practice of Selected First Aid Measures among Port Said Faculty Nursing Students

“…Based on the idea that sharing sensitive material with those in the same age group is simpler, this learning strategy is thought to be beneficial. Similar to this, according to the social consciousness theory, peers often copy the actions of persons they view as role models (Mabuie, 2020) .…”

Occupational roles and risks of community-embedded peer educators providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services to persons who inject drugs in Nairobi, Kenya

“…PEs also provide health and legal advocacy [ 17 , 18 ], disseminate trusted information [ 19 ], create a sense of collective identity [ 20 ], facilitate engagement in research [ 18 ], and promote connection and communication with harm reduction and other health programs [ 21 , 22 ]. Similar approaches have been adapted for PWID programs with encouraging results [ 23 , 24 ]. Exposure to PEs results in increased access to harm reduction services and has been linked to higher reported levels of condom use and use of sterile needles among key populations [ 25 , 26 ].…”